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Is there wild life in your back yard?

These creatures could be:
birds
hummyingbirds
butterflies
squirrels
chipmunks
possum
bunnies
raccoons
deers
bears
and so many more depending on where you live.

Yes there is wild life living all around us, and unless you are really looking for them, you may never even know they are there.

Do you know that you can help them?
Yes you can, but first you need to find out what creatures are known for living in your area so you can learn more about them.

Planting flowers, trees or shrubs is a great way to give these animals food and shelter in your own back yard.

Butterflies - can be attracted to brightly colored flowers.

Hummingbirds - like red flowers.

Bats and Moths - like sweet-smelling white flowers.

Birds - like annual flowers because they have lots of seeds, like sunflowers, zinnias and asters.

There are even plants that will help keep some creatures out of your yard if they become a problem.

Did you know that little brush piles (like bushes, branches, and other such items) are great for small animals to use as a cover to hide under?

You can contact a nursery or garden center in your area to find out what kinds of plants will provide food and good cover for the wildlife you want as "neighbors".

You can find more great information at www.nwf.org The National Wildlife Federation

Not only can you help the wildlife in your backyard, but also at your school or campus, or maybe a church, or nursing home. Get other to join in the fun to help your wildlife neighbors.

Fencing Out Critters - to save your garden!

Building a fence to keep animals out of your garden is not something to be taken lightly, but it may be the only way to put an end to the feasting of marauding critters.

Since animals have their own particular habits, it can be hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution, so focus on the animals causing the most damage.

Here are some ideas for foiling some of the common animals.

Cats and Dogs - Build a wire mesh fence about 3 feet hight, anchored with sturdy posts. Cats probaby won't climb over, and most dogs can't knock it over. Bend the base of the fence outward to form a 2-ft. wide apron along the ground to discourage dogs from dipping under it.

Deer - Since deer can jump, a fence needs to be high and at an angle. One effective option is an 8 to 10 ft. fence set at a 45 degree angle toward the direction from which deer are most likely to come. It will make them think twice about jumping. Keet the fence snug to the ground, since deer can also wiggle under fences. Electric fences baited with peanut butter and solid fences that block the view to food also work well.

Rabbits - Exclude rabbits with a 2-ft. tall chicken wire fence that has 1 inch diameter holes. To prevent digging under, curve the bottom of the fence 90 degrees to create an apron a foot or so wide, and bury it several inches deep.

Tunnelers (Chipmunks, Gophers, Moles) - These subterranean travelers have the advantage of being out of sight most of the time, so they can do their dirty work of munching your plants undetected. In winter they move beneath the snow and gnaw the bark of young tree trunks, and you often don't discover the damage until spring. If you're plagued by any of these tunneling creatures, create cages or baskets to protect pized plants. Dig a 2 to 3 ft. deep hole in the planting area and line the sides and bottom of the bed with wire mesh. Replace the soil and plant your garden.

Protect tree trunks with wire mesh guards placed a few inches below the soil line and 2 feet up the trunk. Check the guards in the spring and fall, adjusting them to make room for new tree growth and to be sure they are securely fastened.

Woodchucks - They are good climbers, so leave the top 18 inches of a 4 foot tall fence unattached, or string electric wire across the top to discourage these pests. The fence should also have a 2 foot wide apron buried a few inches below the soil to stop burrowing under the fence. Electric fencing placed a few inches outside a wire fence also helps.