Hamilton County Urban Conservation Association

Many people are interested in attracting wildlife such as butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds to their neighborhoods. All species of wildlife need 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. In addition, the type of wildlife desired should be considered during the planning process as the habitat should be focused towards the needs of the desired species. Finally, native plants should be used for the landscape design as they provide many advantages over non-native species. The HCUCA can provide assistance if a landowner is interested in developing a native wildlife habitat. In addition, the HCUCA can provide a list of native plants to use in the habitat.

Water: During the hot summer months, a clean water source can become the biggest attractor of wildlife to the area. 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. In addition, individuals can provide water sources by maintaining a bird bath or creating a small backyard pond.

Food: 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.

Shelter and Places to Raise Young: A successful wildlife habitat should include features which provide shelter that allow wildlife to escape predators. The area 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, butterfly houses, bat houses, and ladybug houses can be incorporated into the habitat to attract wildlife.

Various habitat restoration projects can be implemented in order to attract wildlife to your neighborhood. The HCUCA can provide assistance to any landowner that is interested in learning about these projects.

Native Prairie: A prairie primarily consists of native warm season grasses and wildflowers. These areas provide food and shelter for many species of butterflies, songbirds, and small animals.

Woodlands: A woodland project consists of planting trees and shrubs either in small or large areas. 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.

Shoreline Enhancement: Shoreline enhancement projects consist of establishing a vegetation buffer strip along bodies of water. These buffer strips attract a variety of wildlife species and help alleviate nuisance geese problems.

Wildlife Brochures and Photographs.