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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. Native plants should be used for the
landscape design as they provide many advantages
over non-native species. The HCUCA can provide
a list of native plants to use in the habitat.
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.
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.
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.
Native Prairie:
These areas provide food and shelter for many
species of butterflies, songbirds, and small
animals.
Woodlands:
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:
These buffer strips attract a variety of
wildlife species and help alleviate nuisance
geese problems.
Wildlife Photos Taken at the Ridgefield Nature
Park
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