Living with Wildlife - Acreage Owners Guide

Diversity is the Key to Attracting Wildlife

• Plant as many different types of grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees as possible.

• Select a diverse range of varieties of each type of plant.

• Have many sources of water. Ponds, swamps, bogs and bird baths are all great sources of water for wildlife. Place water sources in open and hidden locations.

• Take advantage of the fact that many animals prefer the edge where two different types of habitats meet. Form as much " Edge Effect" as you can.

Consider the following. . .

Do you have a large diversity of vegetation on the property?

Do you have accessible year-round water sources in various locations?

Are there dead trees, brush piles or rock piles scattered across the landscape?

Is year-round food provided for a diverse planting of grasses, shrubs and trees?

Do you supplement food resources for wildlife?

Master Plan

• Find out what species of wildlife are native to your area.
• Decide which of the native wildlife you would like to manage.
• Learn as much as possible about the requirements of those species.
• Determine habitat enhancement needs on your property.
• Design short- and long-term plans for habitat improvements.

Design Guidelines

• Select plants that provide cover and food.
• Plant a variety of plant types; intersperse, creating a mixed stand.
• Plant to create protected nesting areas.
• Plant in locations that form corridors or connections between different larger habitat plantings.
• Promote and plant woodland, grassland, riparian and wetland habitats.
• Create a number of each type of habitat so different habitat are adjacent, forming as many " edge" areas as possible.

Grassland Habitat Hints

• Grasslands are made up of many grasses, legumes and forbs.
• Mix as many species of native grassland species as possible.
• Do not plant grasslands uniformly, but make them patchy to create a mosaic effect.
• Many animal species need a large unbroken prairie area.
• Maintain grasslands by eliminating any woody plants (especially cedars).
• Add water by forming small " prairie potholes" in low areas. Incorporate a small clay seal in the soil of the lowest point.
• Allow piles of dead grasses and forbs to remain through the winter. These become important overwintering cover.
• Control introduced noxious weed species.

Wetland/Riparian Habitat Hints

• True wetland or riparian habitats are very difficult to create where the natural components do not exist.
• Where wetland habitats exist, protect them from draining and pollution. Manage for natural wetland plants and prevent their destruction.
• If a creek or stream transects the property, allow at least 50 feet on each side for a riparian habitat strip. Plant trees and shrubs that provide food, cover and prevent erosion. Many tree species are adapted to riparian locations.
• Use riparian habitats to connect other types of habitats.
• Consider trying to create wetlands as well as ponds. Establish large shallow areas around ponds with cattails and wetland grasses.

Woodland Habitat Hints

• Mix evergreen, deciduous and shrub species. Plant in random groupings.
• Select species that provide food for wildlife, forage, nuts, fruits and seeds.
• Select plants that are different heights. Some will give canopy habitat while others form lower habitat cover.
• Allow dead trees to stand if they are in an area that is non-threatening to humans or property. These provide nesting for many wildlife species.
• Fallen trees also form good cover.
• Snags or piles of brush are perfect overwintering sites.
• Create dead trees by girdling live ones and shelter by stacking cut branches if there are none.
• Construct thick understory areas with thorny brambles to protect small animals from predators.
• Create water sources by adding small woodland ponds in lowland areas.

Source: Adapted for Lancaster County, Nebraska from A Place in the Country: The Acreage Owner's Guide (EC97-2506C).