habitat gardens

ovERVIEW

In addition to capturing rainwater and providing fresh fruit and vegetables, gardens also serve the important purpose of providing a home for native birds, butterflies and other wildlife. By designing with this in mind, you can provide a suitable habitat for native wildlife to feed, nest, and reproduce.

A habitat garden is often complemented with other features that will attract wildlife to the site, including birdhouses, birdbaths or even a toad house. The four essential elements to include in your design are: water, food, shelter and places to raise young. These elements should be present in all habitat gardens, yet each garden should cater to its particular location and the native species that live in the area.

TIMEFRAME

Habitats gardens can vary in size, shape, and character. All of these factors will influence how long it will take to plant and how much time you’ll need to spend on maintenance.

MATERIALS

Try to use native plants as much as possible. Natives are easier to maintain as well as cost-effective and very attractive to wildlife.

EDUCATIONAL THEMES

Ecology, biodiversity, environmental health, conservation of native species, wildlife conservation

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Conestoga Elementary School ’s Habitat Garden

Gardening For Wildlife: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Habitat Gardening – How Schoolyard Are Being Transformed into Wildlife Sanctuaries Plants and Gardens News Volume 15. Number 4. Winter 2000. by Niall Dunne.

Native Plants in the Creation of Backyard, Schoolyard and Park Habitat Areas.
Mowery, Marci. Audubon Council of Pennsylvania , Camp Hill , Pennsylvania . 1995. Outlines the stages of planning a habitat garden, an understanding of wildlife needs and a detailed list of Pennsylvania native plants. Call 717-763-4985.

Project Wild
707 Conservation Lane
Suite 305
Gaithersburg , MD 20878
301.527.8900
Publication: Wild School Sites: A Guide to Preparing for Habitat Improvement Projects on School Grounds