The mission of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation is to be the leading
advocate for all North Carolina wildlife and its habitat.
IN NORTH CAROLINA:
FOUR QUICK STEPS TO AN INITIAL SUCCESS
So you would like to create a wildlife habitat in your own backyard. Wonderful! You are now joining the growing list of North Carolinians that are gardening and landscaping their properties to attract various types of native wildlife such as rabbits, songbirds, or butterflies. The goal of this simple brochure is to help make this a successful and enjoyable experience for beginners, and a beneficial one for the wildlife in their area. This handout deals largely with butterflies and songbirds, species that beginners frequently focus on in their yards. Depending on where you live many other species such as wood ducks, owls, turtles and turkey may be attracted to your property.
North Carolina is a very diverse state when it comes to flora/fauna and
ecosystems. We have numerous soil types, which support a broad variety of
plants that in turn support a diversity of wildlife. However, there are some
basic elements for enhancing backyard habitat for wildlife that apply across
the state. This brochure is aimed at helping you become familiar with those
elements. Implement these steps and
you’ll have a good start to a successful habitat.
The idea of a backyard wildlife habitat is to enhance the basic resources
for wildlife in your yard. These resources include food, water, and cover
(places to hide and raise young). Here are some “getting started” tips for
enhancing your yard for wildlife.
BUTTERFLIES
Step 1. Food and Water for Butterflies
Butterfly
Gardens add beauty to your yard while providing an excellent source of nectar
for butterflies (and hummingbirds, and honeybees).
1. Plant in bright, sunny areas, and use bright colored flowers to attract
butterflies.
2.
Place shallow pans of water filled with sand on the ground for
“puddling”.
NECTAR FLOWERS
Black-Eyed Susan Bee Balm Butterfly Bush Phlox Coreopsis |
HOST PLANTS
Parsley Milkweed Butterfly Weed Clover |
(Note: If you have little
experience with plants, we suggest you begin with several purple coneflower and
Butterfly Bushes. These species take little care, flower profusely, and are a
favorite of butterflies. As you become more experienced try to use as many
native plants as possible since they are the ones that have adapted to our
climate and wildlife.)
Step 2. Food for Birds
There are many native trees and shrubs that are very beneficial to wildlife in North Carolina – too many to list here. The six trees and shrubs listed are ones with high wildlife value and high growing success. Contact our offices for more complete listings.
| TREES* Black Cherry Flowering Dogwood American Holly |
SHRUBS |
*Plant trees during fall and winter seasons
for best success.
The quickest way to provide food
for birds and to bring them within your view is with the use of a bird feeder.
If you do not already have a bird feeder, get one and stock it with sunflower
seed purchased from a bird feeding supply store. Many species of our native
songbirds will feed on these seeds. There are many other types you may want
to try, but sunflower seeds are a great starter for you and the songbirds.
Hummingbirds can be successfully attracted through the use of hummingbird
feeders filled with sugar water. They also are attracted to trumpet vine,
red buckeye, and columbine.
Step 3. Water for
Birds
A plain “birdbath” will be used by birds as a source of water. However,
it will greatly increase its attractiveness to birds if the water is dripping
into the bowl of the birdbath. Periodically clean birdbaths to avoid avian
diseases.
Step
4. Cover for Birds
There are many natural cover sources
that birds utilize, but one of the most effective habitat items that you can
provide for birds, and for people trying to observe them, is this simple “generic”
birdhouse. Construct, or purchase several birdhouses with these general dimensions:
Placed about 5 ft. above the ground such birdhouses will attract cavity-nesting
species such as bluebirds (open areas), or Carolina wrens and chickadees (thickets or woodlands). Remember
to place the boxes in locations where you can observe them and their inhabitants.
**Cut two small holes in the sides for ventilation, and in the floor for drainage.
The entrance hole should be 1-½ inches in diameter.
Use these steps to begin your butterfly garden and to help bring
songbirds into your yard and into your life.
We hope your initial success leads to furthering your interest in wildlife and
its habitats. Please feel free to contact us, the North Carolina Wildlife
Federation, for more detailed information on these and other habitat elements,
and about certifying your wildlife habitats at school, church, home, or
workplace. We wish you the best of luck with your habitat plans. Every acre
matters!
|
P.O. Box 10626 Raleigh, NC 27605 (800) 264-NCWF |
Regional Office 2155 McClintock Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205 (704) 332-5696 |