Step 1: Providing Food Sources

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Arguably the most important step for setting up your Certified Wildlife Habitat is providing a source of food. 

This is where a bit of research comes in, because the best sources of food are going to be local plants, berries, nuts, and seeds. The plants you choose in this step may also double as cover for step 3. 

First, you'll want to identify what types of animals you'd like to attract. Butterflies are going to have different needs than hummingbirds which are going to have different needs than other types of birds. 

Next, you'll need to research what their preferred food type is. For butterflies you'll want to take into account what type of plants they prefer to lay their eggs on and what their caterpillars will eat.

Then, you'll have to think about the weather in your region. Butterflies aren't seen in the colder months, but certain species of birds may stick around if there are food sources available. If the bushes and berries they've been feeding off of all summer are suddenly barren you may have to supplement with bird feeders (this goes for other types of wildlife as well). 

For best results, choose a variety of plants that will provide food concurrently with one another. As one plant's berries go out of season, the next plant may have just gone to seed, and so on. This will help provide your new habitat with a stable source of food for as long as possible. 

To become certified you must provide at least three of the following types of plants or supplemental feeders:

• Seeds from a plant
• Berries
• Nectar 
• Foliage/Twigs
• Nuts 
• Fruits 
• Sap 
• Pollen 
• Suet
• Bird Feeder
• Squirrel Feeder
• Hummingbird Feeder
• Butterfly Feeder 

I'll have more details and tips and suggestions about providing for different critters.