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In 1990, the Trumbull Land Trust began a program
dedicated to the establishment of wildlife habitats by private
individuals on their own property. The simple certification process,
called TRUMBULL GREENSPACES, recognizes individuals who plant
with wildlife in mind. The overall goal of the program is to have
habitats that serve as "green highways" connecting parks and open
spaces. The program also fosters ecologically-sensible
landscaping principles such as the elimination of inorganic fertilizers
and herbicides. Explore the links below and get your own backyard
habitat certified:
Trumbull
Land Trust's Greenspaces Application Form
See sample certificate
National Wildlife
Federation Habitat Program
Connecticut
DEP Wildlife Information
The first question that is always asked is - Why
Wildlife Habitats? There are a number of reasons. Stated simply,
habitats save time, provide beauty, and enhance health. After an
initial outlay of work and time, naturalized areas will require
little weeding, no mowing, no fertilizing, and little water. Naturalized
areas, with native plantings, will be self-sustaining systems.
The principles of backyard habitats are rather
simple. Four necessary elements of wildlife gardening are:
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Food -
Whatever type of wildlife you seek to attract, your choice of
planting and site design will increase your chances of attraction.
Food sources can be provided by many different means. Suet and
feeders definitely take center stage in a wildlife habitat.
However, to vary the diet of birds, fruit bearing trees and
shrubs must be planted. In addition, many birds feast on the
seeds of many of our wildflowers and grasses. A careful, diverse
selection of bushes, trees, and flowers will attract a diversity
of creatures. Native
plants are preferred, and many types are carried by local
nurseries.
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Shelter -
This same diverse mix of plantings will also satisfy the shelter
and nesting needs. Evergreen bushes, ground covers, or dense
untrimmed hedges provide the needed safety from the neighborhood
cat.
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Nesting -
Trees also provide sites for nests or crevices for cavity dwelling
animals. We can supplement these sites with birdhouses, nesting
boxes, shrub piles, and rock piles.
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Water -
Probably the most important element of a wildlife habitat is
WATER. Water is not only necessary for drinking, but certain
water sources are also used as nesting areas, by amphibians
for example. Water can be provided in raised baths, ground level
sources, and (the ultimate) small ponds. Small ponds and related
plantings will attract frogs, birds, mammals, dragonflies, and
other creatures. Placement of all these elements is very important.
Feeders and baths should be placed in close proximity to shrubs
and bushes. This gives the creatures a quick refuge from predators.
The concept of "edges" will enrich your landscape -
An edge is created where varied plants of different heights meet.
The effect of edges is most clearly seen in a walk through any densely
wooded area. You will find the most activity in the outer edges
of the woods, where berry-bearing bushes reach out to capture the
rays of the sun.
Together with these principles,
the last aspect to consider is organic or natural gardening. The
indiscriminate use of pesticides, herbicides, and inorganic fertilizers
does untold damage to both the environment as well the gardener.
By using native plants, compost, and attracting beneficial insects,
a wildlife gardener will eliminate the need for chemicals. Even
the lawn of a wildlife gardener will not need chemical applications;
instead one can use clover, readjust mower cutting heights, and
understand the ecological balance of a lawn.
Last updated: August 25, 2003
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Saw-Whet owl visiting in the winter of 2003.
Photo credit - Dennis Varza
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