What do animals need?

Animals have four basic needs - food, water, cover and a place to raise their
young. Our homes and cities have been built over natural meadows, ponds and
native trees that local wildlife needs. Residential development is now a major
cause of habitat destruction.

We can all lend a hand by creating natural spaces for wildlife within our yards,
letting wildlife gain some of the ground lost to residential development. It
is our turn to garden with Nature in mind, creating beautiful gardens that benefit
the animals around us.

You can help by providing any one or all of an animal's basic needs. A single
tree can give food (berries, seeds, nectar from flowers, etc.) and cover from
wind, cold, heat or predators. It can also provide nesting sites for birds and
small mammals.

Flower gardens and meadows provide birds, butterflies and a host of other beneficial
insects with places to eat, hide and lay eggs.

Water features like small ponds can attract many backyard visitors, from frogs
to thirsty birds, to mosquito-eating dragonflies.

There are many simple ways to help wildlife. Start planning your project now!