SUPPORTING
WILDLIFE

HELPING
LOCAL

Wildlife

The bird population in the Northern Hemisphere has declined by almost 30% in the last 50 years, so they could use our help. Having plants in your garden is important to support wildlife, particularly during the winter months.

These plants serve as a crucial food source, producing seeds, berries, and fruits that become essential sustenance for birds, squirrels, and other creatures when their regular food supplies are scarce.

Lending a hand to wildlife can be simple and rewarding, whether by planting native species, providing water sources, or creating habitat spaces in your garden.

Enhancing Your Garden →

Food Sources for Birds →

Shelter for Birds →

WILDLIFE SUPPORT IDEAS

  • PLANT NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS

    Choose native plants that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Evergreen varieties are particularly beneficial as they offer year-round cover.

  • PROVIDE BIRD FEEDERS

    Set up bird feeders with a variety of seeds, suet, and nuts to attract and feed birds. Clean the feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. See sources below.

  • INSTALL NESTING/ROOSTING BOXES

    Put up nesting boxes for birds, providing them with safe and insulated spaces for roosting during cold nights. See sources below.

  • LEAVE SEED HEADS & BERRIES

    Instead of tidying up the garden completely, leave some seed heads and berries on plants. This provides a natural food source for birds and other animals. See list below.

  • CREATE BUSH PILES

    Gather fallen branches and twigs to create brush piles in a corner of your garden. These piles offer shelter for small mammals, insects, and birds.

  • PROVIDE FRESH WATER

    Ensure there's a source of unfrozen water for wildlife. Consider installing a heated bird bath or regularly refreshing water dishes to meet their hydration needs.

  • AVOID USING PESTICIDES

    Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects that serve as a food source for birds.

  • PLANT WINTER-FRIENDLY FLOWERS

    Choose winter-flowering plants to provide nectar for pollinators and other insects. See list below.

  • CREATE HABITAT DIVERSITY

    Include a variety of habitat elements in your garden, such as rocks, logs, and leaf litter, to accommodate different species with varying needs.

WILDLIFE PLANT FOOD SOURCES

WINTER SEEDS

  • Sunflowers (Helianthus)

  • Coneflowers (Echinacea)

  • Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

  • Goldenrods (Solidago)

  • Coreopsis

  • Cosmos

  • Zinnias

  • Asters

  • Sedums

  • Milkweed (Asclepius)

  • Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)

  • Evening Primrose (Oenothera)

  • Verbena

  • Baptisia

  • Globe Thistle (Echinops)

  • Bee Balm (Monarda)

WINTER FLOWERS

WINTER BERRIES

  • American Holly (Ilex opaca)

  • Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

  • Juniper (Juniperus)

  • Beautyberry (Callicarpa)

  • Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)

  • Pyracantha (Pyracantha)

  • Strawberry Tree (Arbutus)

Gardens can act as migration stopovers for birds, offering a place to rest and find nourishment during their journeys, when resources are limited.

FEEDING & HABITAT RESOURCES


Bird Houses, Nesting
Boxes, and Birds Feeders

  • For easy delivery and many choices: Amazon

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