Assess your habitat

• Identify the habitat elements that already exist in your yard.
• Make a list of the plants in your yard. Include trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Try to determine which will provide food, cover, and/or nesting/breeding spaces.
• Since native plants are important for food and cover, try to determine which plants in your landscape are native.
• Are there dead or dying trees? If they pose no risk, allow them to stay. They provide great habitat for cavity-nesting birds.
• Is there a existing water source for wildlife in the form of a pond, vernal pool, bird bath, or stream?
• List structures that provide habitat elements, such as bird feeders, nesting structures, rock walls or log piles.
• Finally, consider the physical conditions. What are the soil, and sun and wind exposure conditions?

Provide the four basic elements: food, water, cover and places to raise young

Food

• Native plant communities are especially important since our native plants and wildlife have co-evolved over time. Select plants that provide fruits, seeds, nuts and nectar, and that will provide food throughout the year.
• Native prairie plants are suited to Hesston's soil and climate conditions. They require little maintenance, chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, or additional watering. This means less cost and time to you and a healthier environment for you and wildlife!
• Bird feeders can provide supplemental food -- nectar in spring and fall for migrating hummingbirds, and seeds in winter. Keep in mind that birds generally rely on supplemental feeders for about 15% of their nutritional needs. Habitat is most important!

Water

• Wildlife requires water for drinking, bathing, and sometimes breeding.
• Water can be supplied in a birdbath, small pond, a recirculating waterfall, or a shallow dish. If a natural wetland or stream is present, preserve or restore it since aquatic wetlands are extremely beneficial to sildlife.
• However water is provided, make sure it is provided year-round. Thermostatically controlled heaters are available for winter time bird baths.

Cover

• When you choose plants, include red cedars or other evergreen species so that wildlife has year-round cover from weather and predators.
• Select some deciduous shrubs or trees for summer-time nestng habitat and predator protection.
• Rock, log, and mulch piles also offer habitat for small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. These animals provide diversity in a habitat, contributing to the overall balance and health in your landscape. Don't forget them!

Places to raise young

• Trees, shrubs and dead or dying trees (snags) provide nesting sites for many species of birds.
• Small mammals, amphibians and reptiles will use rock, log and mulch piles to lay eggs and/or raise their young.

Practice resource conservation in your backyard landscape

• Plant native species. Do not plant any invasive non-native species.
• Establish a backyard wetland or drainage buffer area to filter storm water and limit runoff.
• Capture roof rain water to use in planted areas.
• Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeding.
• Use a drip soaker hose instead of a sprinkler as needed to help your new plants get established.
• Eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.
• Use organic means to control pests. Better yet, let nature take its course. Healthy, balanced landscapes encourage beneficial insects, birds, bats and other insect eaters.
• Reduce or eliminate your turf area to reduce mowing, watering and general maintenance.
• Visit NWF's Tips and Projects Web page for more ideas, resources and information.