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Inviting Wildlife InBy Lois B. Robbins I heard about a woman who had no screens. Birds flew in and out of her house, seeking the birdseed she’d left for them on the kitchen counter, the armoire, the coffee table, . . . It was a charming idea, except for the droppings on the armoire, the coffee table, the TV, the Oriental rug, the upholstery, and the dining room table. I settled instead for Backyard Wildlife Habitat. It doesn’t take much. Only four things are needed: Food, Water, Cover, and Places to Raise Young. No place is too small. A seven by seven foot area with a birdbath, a birdhouse, a birdfeeder and a tree is enough. My 1.5-acre property, largely unmowed, with trees, berry bushes, and a pond, already had the elements needed for certification as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by The National Wildlife Federation*. I filled out the application, drew a map of my property, and took some pictures to send with the application. A few weeks later, a certificate arrived in the mail, along with a small weatherproof sign to put out by the road. That was five years ago. Since then, with guidance from the Oakland Chapter of Wild Ones, I’ve been slowly converting my perennial gardens to native plants to provide a diverse menu for the wildlife who thrive here. These “natives” are the plants they’ve evolved with through the genius of adaptation. This is the best way I know to ground oneself in a “sense of place”. At the same time, it’s important to be clear about where you do and do not want wildlife. If you have a family of raccoons in the attic or deer dining on the tulips and the corn you’ll recognize the need for clarity about where wildlife habitat leaves off and human habitat begins. Electric fences and barking dogs help to establish that clarity. So does closing the holes in your house where raccoons, squirrels, or other unwanted critters can get in to set up house keeping. By establishing your boundaries, you can enjoy the wildlife that comes to your yard without declaring war on them. Most people who live in North Oakland County are here because of the wildlife. We enjoy the delightful variety of songbirds who come to our feeders and the occasional deer who wanders through. Wild turkeys and ruffed grouse, muskrats, opossums, even a mink or an otter might make an appearance. Butterflies add color to our gardens. This liveliness gladdens our hearts and reminds us that we’re part of the web of life. Unlike the woman with no screens, we can help the wildlife to thrive without allowing them to abuse our hospitality. *The National Wildlife Foundation has been certifying Backyard Wildlife Habitats since 1973. By October, 2004, 47,500 backyard wildlife habitats had been certified nationwide. The National Wildlife Federation also certifies Backyard Wildlife Habitats in schoolyards, workplaces, and communities. For more information, or to find a Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certifier near you, see the Backyard Wildlife Habitats web site or send them an email, or call them at 1-800-822-9919 or write to them at: National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Questions 11100 Wildlife Center Drive Reston, VA 20190-5362
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