Naturescaping Principles

When each of us, alone and in community, on acreage and in small backyards, for reasons of ecology, economy, or style has done all that can be done to restore the abundance of the land, many other animals will surely rejoin us.

Then it will work. Then there will be plenty. Then we will have reason for thanksgiving"

Sara Stein

Throughout North America the principles of voluntary private land stewardship are creating a quiet revolution in urban and rural areas. This revolution is filled with the calls of songbirds, the peeping of frogs, and glorious arrays of wildflowers. At its heart this change is about an awareness of our connection, our interrelatedness, with our environment.

As a result of this awakening gardeners everywhere are creating wildlife habitats in their own backyards.

The Stewardsip Series: Caring for Wildlife Habitat at Home
The Provincial Guide (2.25MB PDF)

Shelter

Safe wildlife shelter takes many forms and includes places where wildlife can escape danger, rest, retreat from the elements, and raise young. By creating a diverse landscape filled with varying heights of vegetation, planting thickets and hedges, leaving a brush pile, and including mossy logs and wildlife trees in your landscape you provide places of refuge for wildlife.

Examples of Shelter

Food

Every species of wildlife requires certain types of food. To encourage the use of your outdoor space by many species, plant a diverse selection of indigenous plants which provide sources of food for wildlife in the form of seeds, nectar, berries, and associated insects. Food for birds may also be supplied from feeders; however, remember that different types of seeds attract different types of birds

Examples of Native Plants Which Provide Food

Water

Water transforms the ordinary wildlife habitat into an extraordinary one. Clean, fresh water in often difficult for wildlife to find. It is important for year-round drinking and bathing. Many beneficial insects and amphibians require water to complete their life-cycles. Moving water is particularly attractive, but remember to locate your water source beyond the reach of household pets.

Examples of Water Sources

Birdbaths - free standing or hanging

Ponds and Streams - either natural or constructed

Shallow Dishes - set into the ground

Designing your Wildlife Habitat

With an understanding of the requirements necessary to attract wildlife you can begin by mapping and listing what already exists on your land. Note your soil texture, slope, areas of sun and shade. Your habitat can then be designed to greater and greater levels of detail. Consider layers of plants and their food and shelter values to wildlife. Carefully locate bird- feeders, baths and nest boxes. Remember to plan your habitat so that it satisfies wildlife requirements throughout the year. Develop your habitat in stages. But most importantly, be patient. It may take weeks, months, and sometimes years for clusters of plantings to establish and grow into suitable wildlife habitat.