7 Ways To Nurture Wildlife In Your Yard

 

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Want to turn your yard into a haven for local wildlife? With a few improvements, you could help to make your outdoor area a more appealing place for birds, butterflies, squirrels and other animals. Below are just 7 ways to nurture nature in your yard.

Plant a tree

A tree in your garden may help to attract birds looking for somewhere to nest. It could also help to attract animals such as squirrels and possums.

Most people choose to plant trees while they are young, which means you may have to wait a while before it is fully grown enough to support wildlife. That said, it is possible to relocate a fully grown tree.

Consider other plants

Various other plants could also help to attract specific wildlife. The likes of violets and milkweed may help to attract butterflies. Buttercups, hyacinth and sunflowers can meanwhile attract bees. Bright and fragrant plants are often your best option.

Build a pond

A pond could not only be somewhere for keeping pet fish, but also an attractor for various wildlife including dragonflies, frogs, newts and even ducks. Growing certain plants in and around your pond could increase the chance of this happening.

Be wary that small mammals may fall into ponds and get stuck. It’s worth putting a net over your pond or creating an easy exit such as a gradual slope leading out of the pond.

Consider bird feeders, bird baths and birdhouses

There are various structures that you can set up in your yard to attract birds. Bird feeders are one option that can be put on a pole or hung from a tree. Bird baths will also attract birds looking to drink and bathe. A birdhouse meanwhile may attract birds looking for somewhere to feed - and may even provide somewhere for birds to nest.

Start a woodpile

Even if you have no use for a wood pile, it could be worth creating one in your garden as a way of attracting certain animals. It’s common for chipmunks, possums and even skunks to make homes in woodpiles. You could even create a den at the end of your yard for such animals to nest in (during the winter may small mammals may want to use such a den).

Look out for injured animals

Sick and injured animals can sometimes wander into people’s yards. If you find a sick or injured animal, you should find a wildlife rehabilitator near you rather than attempting to care for it yourself. Wildlife that you care for may become dependent on you and you may not have the experience to support it properly.

Avoid pesticides and chemical products

Introducing pesticides and chemical products to your yard could have a harmful effect on the wildlife that you’re trying to nurture. While trying to get rid of slush and aphids with pesticide, you could inadvertently kill off other bugs like bees and butterflies. Birds and small mammals may also end up consuming bugs that have come into contact with chemicals and could become ill as a result. Where possible, find organic and humane solutions to pests that you don’t want to attract.
 

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