[Step 1 Get to Know Your Yard][Step 2 Get the Water Right][Step 3 Right Plant,Right Place][Step 4 Designing for Wildlife][Step 5 Pest Management][Step 6 Reducing Stormwater Runoff]

Step 4 Designing for Wildlife

NatureScapes are important because they are islands of green in the midst of urban environments. As Florida becomes increasingly populated and developed, wildlife are losing natural habitat. While we have the privilege of enjoying their company, we must continue to provide wildlife with healthy habitat, so that they have room to nest, feed, and grow.

Habitat means that your NatureScape provides sources of food, water and shelter. When you do this, you will attract native and migrating wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Did you know that birding is the number one sport in America? And you can do it in your own backyard. Your NatureScape yard can become a fluttering, chirping symphony of lively entertainment - it just depends on how you plan it.
As you plan your habitat, remember that a diversity of native plants provides a diversity of wildlife. Planting a variety of vegetation provides cover for nesting sites and food such as acorns, berries and seeds. Consider adding a birdbath or pond to provide a reliable source of water. And don't forget about safety - dense shrubs, brush piles and stone walls protect animals from weather and predators.

Here are some tips for landscaping for wildlife:

 

• Limit the Amount of Lawn - Lawn provides very little food and cover to most species of animals. You can help by reducing the amount of mowed lawn on your property. Did you know that a lawnmower pollutes as much in one hour as a car does driving for 350 miles? Making use of the corners of your yard where there is little traffic is an opportunity to attract more wildlife. You can replace the grass in those areas with mulched native Florida plant beds or a water garden -- providing wildlife habitat while mowing less.
• Increase Vertical Layering - Adding plants between the ground and the tree canopy is called "vertical layering". When you plant bushes or plants underneath the trees in your yard, you provide wildlife with cover and feeding opportunities. Again, diversity is key: a variety of vegetation in different sizes and heights makes for a healthier habitat.
• Provide Snags and Brush Piles - It sounds odd, but consider leaving dead trees in your yard. These "snags" provide wildlife with opportunities for nesting and feeding. If you are concerned with safety, consider having a tree surgeon cut the tree to approximately 15 feet so that it is still valuable to wildlife. Snags can also be laid horizontally along a corner of your yard. There are some bird species that will only use nesting areas they have personally excavated.
• Provide Water - Birdbaths or ponds in your yard are beautiful and attract all kinds of wildlife. Of course, water is necessary to life. Many animals attracted to water will also help cut down mosquito populations. Amphibians especially appreciate ponds for their breeding grounds. Essentially any water source you provide will work, as long as you keep the water fresh by rinsing the container every week.
• Plant Native Vegetation - Using native Florida plants can benefit both wildlife and your pocketbook. They provide natural food sources and require less care and resources to maintain because they are already adapted to local water and soil conditions. Natives are also more resistant to pests and diseases, which means you will not have to use pesticides. There's much more information in the 'Right Plant, Right Place' section of this website.
  
  Click the Go Native button on this website to search an extensive native plant database for plants that attract wildlife. The advanced search includes: plant common and scientific names; plant types (large tree, small tree, shrub, vine); sunlight needs (full sun, light shade, etc.); and best suited to wet or dry soil conditions.
• Remove Invasive Exotic Plants - Invasive species replace plants that wildlife are accustomed to and may leave them without the food and shelter they need. Invasive exotic plants take over natural habitat and alter natural ecology. They spread rapidly and take over native vegetation. Seeds of non-native invasive plants are carried easily by wind, water, birds and other animals with far-reaching effects. Pull them up and throw them away.
• Reduce Pesticide Use - Most pesticides kill all insects they contact, including beneficial insects. Since insects pollinate plants and are meals for wildlife, their role in a habitat cannot be understated. Without pollinator insects, some plant species would not survive and many animals would lose valuable food and shelter. Try the least toxic solution to your pest problem first. If you must use pesticides, spot treat or use bait that targets one pest species. Remember that pests return much faster than the insects that eat them!
• Contain Domestic and Exotic Pets - Dogs and cats may be your best friends, but they can drastically impact wildlife populations. They are natural hunters, and even when they are well fed, they will hunt for sport. Loose animals will harass and even kill a wide variety of wildlife species.

Note: Make sure pet food is kept securely stored inside the house and is not accessible to visiting wildlife. Pet food and garbage stored outside attracts rats and other unwanted visitors to a landscape or home.

Do not release exotic pets into the wild. Exotic pets include almost any animal bought in a pet store, since most of them originate in other parts of the world. If released, these animals can become established in the wild and may compete with native wildlife for food and shelter. Some carry diseases that may infect local wildlife. If you need to find a new home for your lizard, fish, or turtle, contact local rescue organizations.

The National Wildlife Federation is an excellent resource for information about creating wildlife habitat in your backyard, school and community. Click Here to go to the NWF website.

Creating a Butterfly Sanctuary

Butterfly gardening is a fun and rewarding activity no matter what size area you tend. The key to a successful butterfly garden is choosing the correct plants. The first thing to consider should be the food preferences of both adult butterflies and caterpillars. Butterflies drink the nectar of flowering plants, but caterpillars are limited in the number of plants from which they can feed.

The best part of creating a butterfly garden is that you can let your creativity take flight -- it just requires a little planning. First you must know the kinds of butterflies you wish to attract so that you can use the correct plants to lure them. There are about 100 different species of butterflies that live in Florida and a variety of your favorite plants may attract them. To plan your garden you must keep in mind the following basics:

• You generally can only attract butterflies that live in your region. Migratory species are a special treat.
• Match native nectar plants with the butterflies. Use plants of different heights, growth habits, flower colors and shapes to attract different species.
• Plant in full sun and partial shade areas and plant in groupings to make the garden look more appealing.

Creating Bird Habitats:

Birds don't understand property lines. They choose habitat according to the size of the area and the trees and bushes in it. If you can get your neighbors to join in, combine several yards with varying wildlife habitat to attract more species of birds. Creating larger habitats will attract a larger number of bigger birds.

No matter what your long-term neighborhood plans are, a great place to start is in your own backyard. You can create several smaller habitats within your own yard that will be especially beneficial to small birds. To attract birds to your yard your habitat should contain the following elements:

• Various plants that shelter birds from the elements, from predators, and offer a constant supply of food over an extended period of time.
• Plants that flower or fruit. These plants attract insects and therefore attract birds that feed on insects.
• Water source for drinking and bathing.
• Native plants as a sustainable food source. If you provide birdfeeders, do so as a supplement to a diverse plant population.
• Birdhouses for nesting. To make a birdhouse attractive to birds, consider the size of the birdhouse, the size of the entry hole and how high the birdhouse is located.