Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: April 17, 2006

 

Landscaping Tips

Planting for backyard wildlife in Wyoming

By Eric Peterson

Extension educator

University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service

            There are many different species of wildlife in Wyoming. Each of us can assemble a list of desirable and undesirable species. The interesting thing is one person’s list will be different from another’s. Sometimes, they may be almost opposite. 

            A few homeowners have been thrilled to have a mother skunk raise a bunch of babies in the corner of their tool shed. Others adore hordes of birds around, while others bemoan having to wash icky stuff from their vehicles. It is up to you to develop objectives for wildlife in your backyard.

            There are many different aspects to developing a backyard habitat for wildlife, and an important one is diversity in plant structure, food and cover.

            Evergreens are centerpieces of many Wyoming backyard landscapes. They often provide the necessary cover for wildlife during critical nesting and winter periods. In addition, they offer great protection from storms and produce a food source for some species.  

            There are many different kinds of evergreens; however, if looking for trees to furnish cover and secure nest sites for small birds, or a near-to-the-ground cover for ground dwellers, spruces and junipers are best because they typically have a dense growth form. Pines normally are more open and are great perch sites, making up for their shortfall in dense cover.

            Grasses and legumes are ground covers and, when left to grow, provide wonderful habitat for ground dwellers. They provide high-quality food for herbivores in the spring and, later in the fall and winter, their seeds can be an important food source.

            If you want to attract and hold hummingbirds, they’ll need to find certain plant features in their habitat. They feed on nectar and prefer red, tubular flowers. 

            Even though summer seems to be a time of plenty, providing summertime food sources for backyard wildlife is important. In addition to providing cover for critical nesting periods, birds require the nutrition necessary for rearing young.

            Remember the concept of staggering the ripening of fruiting species of plants, which is a key to maintaining ideal habitat for a significant length of time.

            In the fall, wildlife parents aren’t so concerned about providing for their young, but the days are cooling, and wildlife that will stay with you into the winter need to store energy. Bird species preparing to migrate to new environments need to develop energy stores to support that trip.

            An emerging key characteristic to selecting food high in energy for the fall months is the durability of the food source. It needs to remain available to animals after the end of the growing season. Also, do not forget that, because of the decrease in cover with the onset of leaf fall, cover components emerge as important habitat components.

            In the winter, the durability needed in fall food sources is best described as being persistent food availability. Foliage is old, dry, leached and generally lacks nutrition. Persistent fruits or seeds become an important food source.

            Remember the concept of accessibility. Plants that seem to be on the way to producing wonderful food sources in the growing season will likely be under snow later in the season in Wyoming.

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