Whether we like it or not, development has been and will continue to be the American way. Farmlands and wooded areas are plowed under to make room for suburban homes and shopping centers. Such development has enabled many to achieve the American dream but for wildlife, it has been the American nightmare.
One of the greatest threats to wildlife around the world is the loss of habitat. It is particularly critical in metropolitan areas where development continues to reduce or even eliminate natural areas. Publicly-owned parks and nature preserves help support wildlife populations; however, here in Ohio, just 7 percent of the land is publically owned. Clearly, we must provide habitat on private lands if we are to conserve wildlife populations. In addition, fewer people have easy access to nature and wild animals as Ohio landscapes continue to urbanize. Private, local habitats are important for both education and appreciation of nature.
You can make a difference to wildlife whether you have a 20 acre farm or a small suburban patio or balcony. The first step is to decide what type of wildlife you want to attract, and then evaluate your particular space from a wildlife perspective. Like humans, wildlife requires food, water, cover and a place to raise their young.
Food can be provided in the landscape or feeders. In the landscape it is important to select native plants that provide a source of food year-round. For example, blackberries and raspberries provide fruit in summer; dogwoods, mountain ash and spicebush provide fruit in late summer and early fall and are an important food source for fall migrants. Plants that retain their fruit through winter into early spring, the time of greatest food scarcity, should also be included. Examples are hawthorn, crabapple and holly. Container gardening has become very popular for those with limited garden space. Rosemary and lavender do very well in the summer and will be a magnet for bees and hummingbirds. Bird, hummingbird, squirrel and butterfly feeders are also very important in times when natural food sources are not available. Wild bird stores can help you decide what type of seed or feeders to purchase depending on what you would like to attract.
Wildlife need clean water sources for many purposes, including drinking, bathing and reproduction. Birdbaths, small ponds, and even dishes of water will attract wildlife. During warm weather, be sure to change the water in birdbaths and dishes two to three times per week to avoid breeding mosquitoes. You might even consider purchasing a small heater at a wild bird store to keep water from freezing in winter.
Wildlife needs places to feel safe from people, predators and inclement weather. Creating lush growth in a few places will simulate a natural environment. Evergreen trees and shrubs make some of the best shelters, especially those with branches close to the ground. You can create simple shelters with log piles, stacks of firewood and rock or brush piles. Dead trees and stumps and can also provide a haven.
In creating a wildlife habitat we should keep in mind the entire life-cycle of a species to occur, from tadpole to frog, from caterpillar to butterfly. By providing the right cover we can also provide a safe place for animals to raise their young. Tree cavities in both living and dead trees provide nest sites for a variety of species including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, flying squirrels and gray squirrels. Birdhouses and nesting boxes can also become a welcome home.
Chemicals like fungicides, herbicides and insecticides can reduce soil and water quality on your property and directly harm wildlife. Consider using organic techniques for gardening and lawn care whenever possible. Natural control agents like ladybird beetles, some wasps and birds can be effective. Highly toxic or broad spectrum chemicals that kill most invertebrates should be avoided.
Planning ahead can make your backyard wildlife garden flourish. Draw a map of your property including existing structures and plants, and then use this design to achieve your vision. A little research will let you know what to plant in both sun and shade.
Build a wildlife haven in your yard, invite nature to your backdoor and you will be greatly rewarded! You may obtain more information from both the National Wildlife Federation nwf.org and The Ohio Department of National Resources Division of Wildlife (800-WILDLIFE). The Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Backyard Enhancement for Wildlife can be referenced at ohioline.osu.edu/w-fact/0010.html.
Join the Master Gardeners for a garden program on raised beds and trellises. Explore ideas and instructions on how to build and use these structures in your garden. The program is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, held in the community room of the Delaware Community Center YMCA, 1121 S. Houk Road. It’s free of charge and open to any interested gardener. Call the OSU Extension office at 740–833-2030 for more information.
Michele Pearson is a Master Gardener volunteer.