Ever been awed by the flight of a hummingbird or a flutter of butterflies as they move from flower to flower? Your garden and yard can be a place of refuge for native birds and beneficial insects. By taking small but consequential steps toward creating a wildlife habitat garden, you will begin an enriching journey of not only profound contribution to the natural world and its inhabitants but also benefit from the feelings of satisfaction and wonder a habitat garden can provide.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The important part is beginning the process and building upon your efforts as you move forward with enthusiasm and an open mind!
The National Wildlife Federation has a handy guide https://certifiedwildlifehabitat.nwf.org to help those in their quest to provide critical habitat for our bird and insect friends. No matter the size of your garden, yard, balcony, or patio, you can still provide options for birds, insects and other wildlife as well.
The best way to think about the needs of birds and beneficial insects like pollinators (bees and butterflies) and predators (ladybugs and praying mantises which hunt and eat aphids) is to consider what you need to survive — water, food, shelter, and places to raise young. It’s also important to pursue sustainable gardening practices like mulching and reducing the use of pesticides.
• Water — Something as simple as a shallow ceramic dish, cleaned regularly, can provide water for a thirsty bird, insect or even toads and tiny frogs.
• Food — Consider a variety of options from nectar and pollen sources (flowers) to host plants for caterpillars (think monarchs) to bird feeders to even providing a fallen leaf layer on the ground. The goal is to eventually incorporate native plants that provide seeds, nuts and fruits year round.
• Cover and places to raise young — Wildlife needs shelter from bad weather just like you do, as well as safe areas to raise young. Mature trees, dense shrubs, fallen leaf litter, even a rock wall or brush pile provides critical habitat for both of these needs.
In addition to the link provided above, the following link is also helpful: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-marin-master-gardeners/creating-habitats.
The most important step is beginning and then building upon the process while reaping the benefits and satisfaction of a world inherently richer when you can share it with our native birds and insects!
Learn more about Native Plants and Attracting Pollinators by attending a free workshop from 1-2 p.m., Friday, September 25, at Oakhurst Senior Center, 49111 Cinder Lane, Oakhurst.
Good Luck and Happy Gardening!