PLAN YOUR LAWN FOR WILDLIFE

There are also many conventional ways to spruce up your yard for wildlife. Keep in mind that wildlife has the same life requirements as we do - water, food, shelter for protection from predators and weather, and nesting and denning sites.

First, draw a scale drawing of your yard including any permanent structures such as walks, driveway, house, sheds, clotheslines and utility poles. The remaining area is what you have to work with. Choosing your plantings is the next step. There are three rules of thumb to remember.

1. A variety of plants means a variety of wildlife.

2. Wisconsin wildlife is more at home with native Wisconsin trees & Shrubs.

3. Different plants bloom, foliage and fruit at different times of the year. Take advantage of these natural cycles and choose plantings which provide a rotation.

Here are several publications which will provide you with tables on how to choose plants suitable to Wisconsin climate, your needs, and the needs of a variety of wildlife species.

Landscape Plants that Attract Birds:"University of Wisconsin-Extension, G1609, available at County Extension Offices. $.15

Invite Birds to Your Home, Conservation Plantings for the Midwest: Soil Conservation Services Services, PA-982, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. $.30

Invite Wildlife To Your Backyard: Backyard Wildlife Program, National Wildlife Federation, 1412 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20026. $.25