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Step 1
Learn what a backyard habitat is all about. Having your property declared a Wildscape or wildlife haven does not mean free roaming bears in the suburbs. What the program does is encourage urban homeowners to allow some room for wildlife such as birds on their property, by giving them a place to raise their young, food, cover and water.
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Step 2
Decide which of the recommended steps are right for your property. How much room for wildlife and what kind is up to you. On our suburban acre we have left most of it uncleared and butterflies, foxes and many species of birds, lizards and toads live happily without bothering us. Some species such as purple martins and bats help us by eating mosquitoes and other pests.
The most important element in an urban wildlife sanctuary or wildscape is cover. Animals that have been crowded by urban development lack places to raise their young. We leave a few brush piles for different species to raise their young. This spring a fox is raising a litter just a few hundred feet from the back door. She catches mice to feed her young and this benefits us as well. Next you will want water in your wildscape. Animals need water year round, for bathing and drinking. A small pond or horse trough with a float valve hooked to a hose will suffice. Make sure you protect water sources from children to prevent drowning. -
Step 3
Make food sources available. Food sources can include a feeder or two but primarily they should be native plants. You can find out what kind of native plants to provide by contacting your county extension agent or local native plant nursery. Plants that provide food include wild persimmon, wild plum, pecan and other fruit and nut bearing natives such as oak. Native plants are a requirement for having your property certified as a wildscape or urban wildlife sanctuary. Plants that qualify in Texas include Lantana (for nectar bearing flowers), mountain laurel, yucca, and other natives.
Having your property declared an urban wildlife sanctuary or Wildscape will increase it's value and the certification is fully transferable to whoever may buy it. They have the option to keep the certification or not. It's a win - win situation for wildlife and people and you will derive a lot of pleasure from your new neighbors. Contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for more details or click the link below for the application form. The fee is only $15. A yard sign declaring that your property is a designated backyard wildlife sanctuary or Wildscape is extra. In becoming a part of the Wildscapes program you are also joining with the National Wildlife Federation's program. It is available in all states. See the link below.
