Many people are interested in attracting wildlife such as butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds to their yards and neighborhoods. All species of wildlife have four basic needs: food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young. Therefore, in order to be successful in attracting wildlife on a regular basis, the habitat must address these needs. While larger numbers and more species of wildlife are found in bigger habitats, smaller backyard habitats will still attract a variety of wildlife as long as the four needs are addressed.

FOOD: We might think that as long as we plant some flowers or trees than we should attract wildlife. However, NOT ALL PLANTS ARE CREATED EQUAL. First, you should select native plants (see the Native Plants page for the reasons why!). In addition, the type of wildlife that you want to attract will determine the type of plants to include in your habitat. If you want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, you must choose nectar producers. Finally, diversity is extremely important as you should maximize the number of plant species that are different in terms of timing of blooms and fruit, height, and structure.

A variety of native plants should be selected for the habitat to provide food at different times throughout the year. Many native trees and shrubs flower and produce fruit, nuts, and seeds which are eaten by many species of wildlife. In addition, native wildflowers produce nectar and seeds which attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds. Finally, native warm season grasses and wildflowers attract insects which provide a food source for many types of birds. Native plants are the best source of food for wildlife; however, natural food sources can be supplemented by feeders. The HCUCA can provide a list of many native plants which provide food for wildlife.

NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPE PLANS

Side Yard Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden

WATER: During the hot summer months, a clean water source can become the biggest attractor of wildlife to your habitat. Water features can be implemented in a number of ways. Many neighborhoods have retention ponds which can be a focal point for wildlife. The HCUCA can provide a list of several water plants which can be utilized to enhance shorelines and make the pond more attractive to wildlife and people (see the Riparian Buffer page for more information on pond shoreline enhancement benefits). In addition, individuals can provide water sources by maintaining a bird bath or creating a small backyard pond.

SHELTER AND PLACES TO RAISE YOUNG: A successful wildlife habitat should include features which provide shelter that allow wildlife to escape predators. The habitat will attract and hold more wildlife if they feel “safe”. In addition, these cover areas will provide spaces for wildlife to raise their young. Various leafy trees and shrubs provide good shelter for wildlife. In addition, native warm season grasses provide excellent sources of nesting sites and cover for birds and small animals. Finally, brush piles, hollow logs, rock piles, bird houses, and bat houses can be incorporated into the habitat to attract wildlife.

Various habitat restoration projects can be implemented in order to attract wildlife to your yard or neighborhood.

Native Prairie: Native flowers and grasses provide food and shelter for many species of butterflies, birds, and small animals.

Woodlands: Native trees and shrubs provide important nesting and protective sites for wildlife. In addition, trees and shrubs provide food for many types of birds, butterflies, and animals.

Rain Gardens: These native flower and grass areas not only address stormwater runoff issues, they provide food and shelter for butterflies and birds.

Shoreline Enhancement: These buffer strips attract a variety of wildlife species and help alleviate nuisance geese problems.