Now that summer is over and we have time to think about next year’s project, Thelma Chapman, Douglas County Extension Master Gardener, suggests giving some thought to constructing a backyard wildlife habitat.

The object of a backyard wildlife habitat, Chapman says, is to plan the garden and yard to encourage and protect our wildlife. As our cities grow and expand, our wildlife areas are diminished. Wildlife has simple needs: food, shelter, water and a place to raise their young. Water is one of the most important and should be available all year. These gardens are not to be confused with the formal and manicured landscaped garden. The garden should be maintained with wildlife in mind. Take time to look at your yard and garden with an eye toward cover, food, water and nesting possibilities – think hedges, tall clumps of grasses or vines. Leave grasses and flower seed heads in the garden to provide both food and cover. Some of these may seem a little unkempt, so talk with your neighbors and explain to them what you are doing.

These gardens can be set up to be low-maintenance. Many seed catalogs list plants and seeds that are suitable for wildlife and butterflies, but try to buy your plants locally if possible. Try to plant native plants, as they are naturally resistant to local pests and weather conditions. Mulching with commercial mulch or straw should be used for weed control and water retention. Most seeds remaining in the straw are taken care of by the birds. The straw breaks down during the year and helps benefit the soil.

Chemicals and biological controls should not be used in the garden. Most chemicals are highly toxic to both birds and bees. When help is needed, insecticidal soaps should be used. These may be purchased commercially, or make your own – 3 to 6 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap to 1 gallon of water. Use a brand like Ivory or Dove; Dawn is not recommended. A strong stream from the garden hose also can be used to wash off insects. The more birds, toads, etc., you draw, the fewer insects will be around.

More ideas:

¢ To help the environment, plan to use more shrubs and less lawn. This not only helps the environment but also saves on lawn mowing.

¢ Set a goal of reducing your lawn by 50 percent and replacing it with native plants. Also provide at least one clump of evergreens.

¢ Use only slow-release fertilizer, preferably your own compost, if needed.

¢ If you must water, water early in the morning and in the proper amount.

¢ Bird feeders should be cleaned each spring using a mild detergent and brush. Get your children involved. It’s never too early to get them started, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

When you have accomplished all of this, it is time to have your backyard certified. All of the information needed (including the application) can be obtained at www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat. This Web site also offers a lot of helpful information about gardening for wildlife.

The Kansas Backyard Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program application can be downloaded from the Kansas Wildlife Federation Web site and is sponsored by the Chickadee Checkoff of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks and the Kansas Wildlife Federation.