BUILD A BACKYARD WILDLIFE REFUGE

 

BACKGROUND

 Helping to save and care for animals can begin in your own backyard. By landscaping and planting with wildlife in mind, you can make up for the loss of much of their natural habitat. Simply by choosing the right plants, you can provide them with natural food and shelter ... and yourself with a window‑literally, into the natural world.

 

DIDYOUKNOW

You can attract specific animals to your garden with certain plants. Hummingbirds, for example, like red morning glories; butterflies are attracted to brightly colored flowers in full sunlight.

 

Animals that are active in the daytime (e.g., chipmunks, and rabbits) will visit yards if shelter such as walls and shrubs is provided.

 

Birds are often desperate for water in winter, when the ground is frozen. A heated birdbath can help hundreds of birds to survive.

 

You can set up a bird feeder on a city balcony as well as a country garden. Even if you have cats, there are safe ways to put up feeders.

 

SIMPLE THINGS TO DO

 

Consult a nursery or your local chapter of the Audubon Society to find out what flowers and trees will attract the wildlife you’d like to invite into your backyard.

 

Create a Plan: Sketch out your yard and decide where to plant, provide water, and provide shelter. Then send your plan (along with $5) to the National Federation of Wildlife. They'll look it over, make recommendations and certify your yard as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat. It's a great way to involve kids.

 

SOURCE National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program. 1412 l6th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036‑2266.