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Creating Wildlife Habitat

Creating Wildlife Habitat

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On this page:

Opportunity is everywhere
How We Can Help
Resources

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Native Plants
POLLINATORS & BENEFICIAL INSECTS
IMPORTANT HABITATS
Return to Thriving Habitats
Frog
Pollinator Hotel

Photo credit: Andy Bauer.

Bat Box

Photo credit: Andy Bauer.

Bird Bath

Photo credit: Mahmood Al Yousif.

Bee Habitat

Photo credit: Ron Spendal.

Why creating wildlife habitat is important:

Just like humans, wildlife needs food, water, and shelter to survive.

You can create wildlife habitat anywhere – from large acreage farms to yards, to container gardens on apartment patios!

Why create wildlife habitat?

Washington County provides critical habitat for many native wildlife species. Habitat loss and fragmentationThe process of dividing up a naturally occurring landscape into smaller, disconnected pieces., the spread of invasive plants, and environmental contaminants are major hazards for local wildlife. By creating and expanding habitat, we can help support our wildlife neighbors.

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How we can help:

Provide a variety of food:

  • Create a layered landscape with native trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcover to provide food for wildlife at every level of your environment.
  • Incorporate plants that have a variety of bloom times – this will provide wildlife food throughout the growing season.
  • Plant a diversity of species to support different types of wildlife.
Learn About Native Plants

Incorporate water sources into your landscape:

  • Birdbaths help birds maintain their feathers. Providing a shallow basin of water allows your bird neighbors to keep cool during hot weather, stay clean and free of pests, and distribute oils that help their features function.
  • Bees often get their water by sipping dew from leaves or visiting hose spouts. You can give them an additional water source by creating a pollinator bath. Arrange rocks in a shallow dish with water, and pollinators will perch on the rocks as they lap up water.
  • If you have space, a rain garden or small pond can provide a water source for larger wildlife.

Establish options for shelter:

  • SnagsDead trees that are left upright to decompose naturally. provide homes to more than 400 species of birds, mammals, and amphibians.
  • Nurse logsA fallen tree that supports native plant seedlings and provides wildlife habitat. support forest regrowth and provide protection and nesting spaces for many animals, including birds, bats, and squirrels.
  • Birdhouses provide safe places for birds to build their nests, away from predators and the elements. Generally, birdhouses should be placed at least 5 feet above the ground and facing away from the prevailing winds.
  • Bee houses are places for solitary bees to make their nests. Most native bee species in Washington County are solitary. Bee houses should be hung approximately 6 feet off the ground, facing the morning sun. Make sure to protect your bee house from the wind and rain!

Resources:

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Great resources for creating wildlife habitat in your landscape:

  • The Backyard Habitat Certification Program supports urban gardeners in their efforts to create backyard wildlife habitat.

  • The National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife Checklist guides you through creating wildlife habitat. You can even apply to be a certified wildlife habitat!

  • The Guide to Conserving Wildlife on Willamette Valley Farms introduces agricultural landowners to habitat management practices and details suggested conservation actions that benefit native wildlife.

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More About Habitats:

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Backyard hedgerow

Backyard Habitats Transform Spaces to Oases

April 12, 2022
Biodiversity01_TSWCD

What is Biodiversity and Why Does It Matter For You?

April 23, 2021
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Tualatin Soil and Water
Conservation District
7175 NE Evergreen Pkwy #400
Hillsboro, OR. 97124

Phone: 503-334-2288
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
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