September 4th

By Mutt Mulligan

On National Wildlife Day turn your yard into a wildlife retreat

September 4th is National Wildlife Day, which serves to bring awareness to endangered animals across the globe. Did you know that no matter the size of your property you can create a space that attracts, feeds and shelters the local wildlife in your own backyard? Not only is this good for the animals and insects, but it’s also fun for your family to watch and enjoy. It might even help lure your kids away from their screens and into the great outdoors!

Creating a wildlife habitat is a great way to encourage your kids to spend time outside

Here are three tips for creating a wildlife sanctuary in your yard.

1. Provide food. You should select native plants from your local home improvement store or nursery in order to offer local wildlife the best food source in the form of seeds, fruits, nuts, berries and nectar.

2. Offer water. Water sources are not only good for the animals and insects that will visit, but they are also aesthetically pleasing. Examples include a birdbath, pond, water garden or stream.

3. Think about cover. Local wildlife will need a place to nest down for the night, raise their young and to shelter themselves from inclement weather. Help them out with a brush pile, roosting box, dense shrubs or even a nesting box.

To learn more about creating a wildlife habitat, and even qualifying to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat(R), visit www.nwf.org.