Creatures go wild for friendly landscapes

Bird watching is such an entertaining activity and in the last few years, butterfly watching has become almost as popular. Florida is a great place for both these sports as the state has the third most diverse wildlife population in the United States, according to the University of Florida (UF).

Each year, Audubon members across the country do a Christmas bird count. Long time member, Lucy Seeds, says she has participated in all but one of the counts over the last 30 years. She and other St. Johns County team members observed more species than last year but unofficially, Seeds said she believed the actual number of birds is down.

Duval County Audubon member Peggy Powell agrees. Although her team observed 162 countable species she feels some numbers are declining. Loss of habitat is usually believed to be the number one reason for the decline. It my own observations of the area around my home, the same seems to be true. Although I have added to the wildlife habitat in my own yard, the surrounding area has been stripped of most of the native habitat to make room for more development.

For this reason, landscaping for wildlife seems to be even more important. Making a workable plan is the first step in the process of any kind of landscaping. Choosing the right plant for the right place and using native plants in the landscapes are two ways to make your plan more workable. The goals should include using less water and fertilizer and attracting the kinds of wildlife you would like to share your environment with.

Reducing turf and replacing it with a good mixture of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and flowers that provide food, cover, and places for wildlife to raise their young should be your goal. But how do you choose among the hundreds of varieties of plants available?

First, list your favorite species of those kinds of wildlife you have observed in your neighborhood or nearby parks. Butterflies and birds will probably top your list but don't forget about beneficial insects, frogs, lizards, turtles and bats as possible candidates to share your environment. Each has its own requirements.

Next, consider how your family uses the yard or even if they do use it. If they never go outdoors, you might consider turning the whole thing into wildlife friendly territory. At least be sure your decisions are those that will blend the two if there are other activities going on. Don't forget to choose something that will bloom or fruit in each season of the year. Butterflies are active in the area almost all year long but most songbirds raise their young during the warmer months.

Remember that water is essential for all creatures so a water feature of some sort will be important. This may be as small as a birdbath tucked into a discrete area or as large as a stream running through your yard or a woodland pond. The size and location of your property is important to consider in making these decisions.

There are many books and publications to help you make intelligent decisions. Some of my favorites are: "Florida Plants for Wildlife" by Craig Huegel, "A Gardeners Guide to Florida's Native Plants" by Rufino Osario, and "Landscaping for Florida's Wildlife" by Joe Schaefer. It will also help to check out the University of Florida IFAS Florida Yard and Neighborhoods (FYN) program. For information on FYN, call 209-0430. The Florida Native Plant Society also provides information that is very helpful.

I am working to have my own yard certified as a Florida Yard and Neighborhood example. I will keep you posted on my progress in future articles.

Beverly Fleming is a park naturalist with the County Recreation and Parks Department. She can be reached at (904) 284-9488.