Wildlife Gardens and Biodiversity
In 1989, the Seattle University grounds were designated a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Dept. This was the first designation for an institution in the State of Washington. Since then, the Grounds Dept. has been committed to providing habitat and encouraging biodiversity throughout the gardens, and in habitat-designed gardens in particular.
Building a habitat garden involves finding ways to provide habitat for birds, beneficial insects and soil organisms to complete their life cycles. Our efforts in the Grounds Dept. include choosing plants that provide nectar and pollen sources for adults throughout the year, plants for larval food, “banker plants” that attract insect pests, and using native plants to which native beneficals are adapted. Equally as important is providing a water source. Shelter through layered vegetation and undisturbed soils is a priority in designated areas.
There are so many resources available to help you plan your habitat garden. Here are a few to get you started.
Pollinators Handbook – created by Pollinator Partnership and NAPPC, a regional guide to plant selection
Focus on Wildlife - the building blocks of habitat creation
Pocket Guide of Natural Enemies of Crop and Garden Pests in the Pacific Northwest - published by Oregon State University
Plant Families That Attract Beneficials – Plants listed by 'Family' name
Common Butterflies of the Puget Sound Region And Their Food Plants – published by the Washington Butterfly Association
Doug Tallamy's video: "Why Native Plants"
Butterflies and Moths
WDFW Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary
Seattle Audubon Society
Great Sunflower Project
National Wildlife Federation