Creating a Backyard Habitat
Creating a backyard habitat is probably one of the most rewarding experiences a gardener can have. To know you have created this safe haven for wildlife is not only fun,interesting and educational,but it is quite gratifying as well. To bring wildlife home is a way of restoring habitats that have been destroyed through years of commercial and residential development that has taken place. The natural eco-systems in these developed areas is non -existent now. So by creating a habitat in your own backyard is a way of giving back to wildlife.
It is important to remember that a backyard habitat is more than a pretty garden. It is a balanced eco-system.An eco-system being where plant and animal species have an impact on and are also affected by other living organisms and the environment around them ,scientifically speaking. Once this eco-system is balanced it will be self-sustaining and support birds,butterflies,bees and other wildlife.
A habitat consist of 1)food 2)water 3)shelter and 4)a place to raise their babies.Once these four criteria are met you can than apply to have your "habitat" certified by the National Wildlife Federation.