Create a Backyard Habitat

Creating a Backyard Habitat and watching as nature comes to enjoy it can be one of the most rewarding gardens you'll ever build. The National Wildlife Federation gives you a way to certify your Backyard Habitat when you meet the requirements. On this page I'm sharing their videos (in order), with a little description, for you to enjoy.

Since 1973 the National Wildlife Federation has been recognizing people who are working to restore habitats with their gardens. There are four things you need to provide - mimic Mother Nature with Native Plants when thinking of these things; Food, Water, Cover, and places to Raise Young.

Food for your backyard habitat is one of the first things to think about. Yes, feeding stations (like bird feeders) are a good way to supplement, however native plants give a much better source geared to the wild life in your area. You can get more information from my page for Wild Herb Gardening, however the basic rule is to watch what the animals eat in your area and provide those plants for the wildlife you wish to draw in.

Water is the next key element to think about. From a simple bird bath to building a beautiful pond all wild life needs water. There are a few other things to consider with water. A bird bath will need to be filled almost every day, extensive ponds may require pumps (and the use of electric). Look around your local gardening stores, collect ideas, and try to make your water area as self sustaining as you can. You don't want to be tied to your garden all year around.

Shelter is the next key element to think about. Animals and insects need protection from the elements. Local plants can provide that. When picking these plants think also of the longevity of the shelter. Is it meant to be a cover plant for just Spring? Do you have a home for snowy Winter? The key here is don't limit your thinking to plants. Forests provide all kinds of shelter using brush piles and old trees - so can you.

Raising Young isn't easy, especially in the wild. But man made bird houses may fall short as they don't account for the needs of things such as squirrels, rabbits, insects, and even larger animals such as deer. Again, this is going to require some learning on your part. Not only do you have to learn what animals to provide areas for and how to accommodate them, you also have to decide what you're going to invite into your backyard habitat. In other words - don't provide a bee hive if you're allergic to bees.

Sustainable Gardening is another thing to think about. Remember what I said about water (needing to refill a bird bath or using a pump in a pond), sustainable gardening goes beyond just those things to think about. Now think about building a composting pile to make sure you have good dirt and use up kitchen vegetable matter, you need to think about rain water catchment, but you also need to think about what you'll do if those things fail.

People are the last thing (but not least) you need to think about. How do you use your yard? Who will spend time in your yard (aside of the wild life)? Don't forget that to truly enjoy your backyard habitat people need to be comfortable too.

Last I'm working on my backyard habitat, probably in one of the roughest locations in America. I'm 7,800 feet above sea level, in what's called the High Mountain Desert of Northern New Mexico. The below slide show will share my progress (which may take years, ha ha).

If you mouse over the slide show a 'control' bar will appear at the bottom. From that control bar you can stop the slide show to read my comments or just get a better look at the pictures. Clicking on a picture will take you to the Picasa Album itself, if you want to see bigger pictures.