As spring arrives, backyard gardeners and landscapers begin their yearly task of beautifying their outdoor environments. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) would like to recommend to amateur and professional gardeners, regardless of the yard size, to consider building a place for wildlife while planning for spring gardens.

“When planting or landscaping for spring, utilize plants beneficial to wildlife and keep in mind the following tips,” says Terry Johnson, Program Manager for WRD’s Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program. “These helpful hints are sure to enhance the beauty of yards and gardens and attract a variety of wildlife for viewing enjoyment.”

· Plant fruit-producing shrubs like native crabapple, serviceberry, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, dogwoods and wax myrtle. To attract various species of songbirds including cardinals, robins, bluebirds, orioles, brown thrashers, and mockingbirds, plant in clumps, clusters or islands. Cover will provide nesting areas for birds and small mammals as well as provide them some shelter from predators and inclement weather.

· Always use caution when using pesticides. Overuse or misuse of lawn chemicals can harm wildlife. Contact a local Cooperative Extension Service with questions concerning amounts and types of pesticides to use.

· Create a pool as a birdfeeder and gathering place for wildlife. A pool can be as simple as a small pond or as elaborate as an in-ground reservoir with waterfalls. Also, shallow birdbaths make excellent focal points for any landscaping plans.

· Don’t forget the butterflies! Cultivate nectar-producing plants such as salvia, lantana, butterfly bush, milkweeds, blazing star, impatiens and verbena to provide opportunities for viewing butterflies as well as to add a wide array of color to backyard habitats. Also, planting butterfly larval host plants like hollyhock, fennel, violets, pawpaw and asters will encourage butterflies to come to your garden.

· Remember the field guide and binoculars. Watching wildlife can be a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy, especially considering Georgia’s rich diversity of nongame animals and plants. Close focusing (6’ or less) binoculars provide opportunities for observing butterflies up close. Field guides to birds and butterflies are great resources in helping identify backyard wildlife.

With proper planning any yard can feature trees, shrubs and other plants that will provide food, shelter and habitat for wildlife as well as being attractive and good to eat. For more information on spring planting for birds and butterflies, visit WRD's website www.georgiawildlife.com, click on “Nongame Animals & Plants” and choose “Backyard Wildlife – Wildlife in Your Backyard.”

To support management and conservation projects for endangered and other nongame wildlife and their habitats, Georgians may purchase a wildlife license plate for their vehicles. Since December 2003, more than 365,000 of the nongame bald eagle tags have been sold, raising more than $6.9 million for wildlife conservation, recreation and education projects. The primary source of funding for the Nongame Wildlife and Natural Heritage Section, the plate depicts a bald eagle silhouetted before the American flag.

Georgians can contribute monetary donations to help fund the Nongame Wildlife and Natural Heritage Section by donating to the Wildlife Conservation Fund on the State Income Tax Checkoff. This tax season, you can “Give Wildlife a Chance” and take part in wildlife conservation by indicating your donation on line 27 of state income tax form 500, or on line 10 of form 500EZ.

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