Other Publications

Improving Your Backyard Wildlife Habitat (PDF)
University of Tennessee Extension

This publication covers the basic needs of backyard wildlife, habitat diversity and structure, edge and vertical structure of habitat, and shows you how to draw up plans for backyard wildlife habitat and how to install it using native plants and supplementing with feeder and nest boxes. Habitat requirements for eastern bluebirds is highlighted.

 

Principles for Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (PDF)
University of Main Cooperative Extension Service

This publication covers the steps necessary to provide the necessary components of habitat to attract wildlife. Visual examples of plants structure and species diversity are given. Note that the listed animal species are found in Maine.

 

Helping Birds at Home - Improving Bird Habitat in Your Yard (PDF)
PRBO Conservation Science

Songbird populations have dwindles due to loss of habitat and the spread of exotic non-native species. Improving bird habitat in your yard can help provide valuable breeding habitat and food for resident and migratory birds. Using native plants to create structural diversity that mimic natural formations provides nesting sites. Making your yard less attractive to songbird predators is another important step. Taking care when you mow to leave no-mow areas and native tree saplings and shrubs help ground-nesting birds.

 

Landscaping to Create Backyard Bird Habitat (PDF)
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension

Making sure your backyard includes the basic needs of wildlife can create backyard habitat for birds. Food, water, cover, and space are important. Steps to landscape your backyard for bird habitat are outlined. A description of the types of plants to consider when creating bird habitat is provided as well as a table of different species and their growing conditions and uses by wildlife.

 

Principles for Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (PDF)
University of Main Cooperative Extension

Wildlife have four basic needs: food, water, cover, and space. Each animal has its own requirements and needs; selecting the plants for the animals you wish to attract is important. Structural and plant species diversity is important to attract a variety of wildlife and ensure less disease and insect problems. The arrangement of your habitat and feeders is also important. Steps to provide protection from predators and diseases from shared food sources are also discussed.

 

Backyard Enhancement for Wildlife (PDF)
Ohio State University Extension

Habitat loss threatens wildlife populations. Improving and increasing habitat for wildlife is important, especially in urban areas. This fact sheet talks about ways that you can create wildlife habitat in your backyard including providing a water source, planting native plants, reducing the amount of lawn in your backyard, reducing or eliminating the use of herbicides and pesticides, and how and where to plant shrubs, trees, vines, and other plants.

 

Putting a Little Wildlife in Your Backyard This Spring (PDF)
Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources

Spring is a time when we begin to plan what we will be planting in our yards and gardens. This year, plan ahead and provide the basic needs for backyard wildlife. The types of plants, shrubs, and trees you select and where you plant them will determine which species you will attract. This publication discusses the plants that provide food, cover, attract insects, as well as the need to provide a water source.

 

Attracting Wildlife: Sources of Assistance (PDF)
Pennsylvania State University

This publication provides a listing of recommended books for further information on landscaping for wildlife, feeding birds, bird and mammal houses, as well as a listing of agencies and organizations with additional information.

 

Backyard Conservation: Wildlife Habitat (PDF)
Natural Resources Conservation Service

Making a home for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife includes providing habitat - food, water, shelter, and space - in an arrangement that meets the needs of wildlife. This publication goes through the steps for planning your wildlife habitat, creating the habitat, and providing water. It also specifically discusses ways to attract bats, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, birds, bees, and butterflies to your yard.

 

Habitat at Home (PDF)
Virginia Habitat Partners

When planning backyard wildlife habitat, you need to consider the "recipe" for habitat, which is different for each wildlife species. By increasing the diversity of plants and structure, you can attract a variety of wildlife. Your gardening style may need to be adapted for wildlife to ensure your provide adequate year-round food, cover, and water. This guide take you through the decision-making process, provides suggestions, and discusses plants to use.

 

Backyard Conservation: Bringing Conservation from the Countryside to Your Backyard (PDF)
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

This colorful booklet discusses the 10 practices and conservation activities adapted from farms and ranches that are recommended for use in your backyard to attract wildlife.