OHIO OUTDOOR NOTEBOOK

Building a better backyard for watching Ohio’s Wildlife

Wildlife District One Backyard Display Garden in year one. A mix of annuals and perennials intended to benefit hummingbirds, butterflies and songbirds.

Cabbage white butterflies nectaring on anise hyssop. Later in the summer, goldfinches readily eat the seeds from this plant.

Scarlet bee balm, a favorite of hummingbirds.

In fact, regardless of how large or small your yard’s size, attracting wildlife is all a matter of  providing Ohio’s winged, web-toed, feathered and furred creatures, four essentials: water, food, shelter and space.

Water alone can be the single greatest attraction for wildlife. It’s also the easiest of the essentials to supply, whether the source is a fountain, bird bath or other type of shallow saucer. Small ponds or water gardens add an interesting focal point in the yard while allowing you to create aquatic habitats that lure frogs and other amphibians. Always try and locate these water sources near shrubs or trees, which will keep the water cool and provide protection from predators. Remember, too, that the water must be freshened regularly, especially during warmer months.

Feeding stations as food sources are fun in the yard and good ways to initially attract wildlife. But a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing route is to feature plants that produce nuts, berries, seeds or nectar. In fact, you can use these natural food sources as a way to tailor the wildlife visiting your yard. If you love butterflies, you’ll choose a sunny spot in the yard to plant nasturtium, sedums, and the appropriately named butterfly bush. For those of you fancying hummingbirds, keep in mind how these tiny birds love red flowers, so offer the brilliant scarlet cardinal flower, bee balm or trumpet vine.

Shelter means protection from threatening weather as well as from predators, including the neighborhood cat or high-flying raptors. So if last fall’s brush pile is still sitting in the corner of your yard, leave it alone. Animals seek shelter among shrubs, bushes, tall grasses, stone walls, and brush piles. Evergreen trees and shrubs, such as pines, spruces and yews, are especially appreciated during the winter months when cold temperatures, snow and ice are a real threat to wildlife survival.

Does your landscape provide enough space for wildlife to forage for food and raise their young? An inviting habitat will include layers of vegetation, which expand the “space” in your yard. Think big-city high rises where – just like people – some animals prefer living at ground level, some in the middle, while others think life at the top is best. To achieve layers in your yard, plant tall trees along the perimeter. Consider evergreens – such as pine or spruce – as well as deciduous trees, including oak, maple or beech. Smaller trees – red bud and spicebush, for example – should be planted in clusters near perimeter trees to create an under story. The next layer involves food-producing and protective shrubs, such as Canada yew and ground covers – periwinkle, for one – that belong near the smaller trees.

Plant selection tip: landscaping with plants native to the Buckeye State will help make your yard irresistible to wildlife. That’s because over the centuries, native plants and local wildlife have “grown up” together. Many plants rely on animals and insects for pollination and seed distribution. In return, these plants provide Ohio’s wildlife the best overall food sources and cover. With that said, be kind and reduce your use of pesticides. Lastly, since these native plants have adapted to the soils and climate of our state, they generally require less maintenance. Translation: more rest and relaxation for you!

So who’s coming to dinner? Certainly more rural settings are going to attract the widest range of wildlife, including deer, turkey and many other species of birds. If you live in a suburban or urban setting, you can also expect to see a good assortment of birds year round – from cardinals, finches, and woodpeckers to such raptors as hawks and owls. Other probable visitors are squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks and butterflies, along with some garden-friendly insects such as bees and lady bugs. And don’t be alarmed if some summer evening you spot the erratic flight of a bat. These misunderstood creatures are really important to our ecosystem, preying upon a wide variety of night-flying insects, including mosquitoes.

Speaking of rest and relaxation, keep in mind that, like Rome, your wildlife-friendly yard is not going to be constructed in one day or even one season. So take your time to discover the fun and satisfaction of planning and building a better backyard for wildlife and you!