How to Turn Your Backyard into A Private Wildlife Sanctuary (2024)

How to Turn Your Backyard into A Private Wildlife Sanctuary (1)

How to Turn Your Backyard into A Private Wildlife Sanctuary

  • By John Bornsworth
  • August 14, 2020

From honeybees to beautiful birds, it’s easy to make changes to your backyard that will attract wildlife. Our guide explains how you can transform your backyard and turn it into your very own wildlife sanctuary.

Wildlife plays a vital role in securing a healthy environment, whether it’s insects, birds, or mammals. With more humans encroaching on the planet than ever before, it’s so important now to make sure that each one of us does our part to preserve the wildlife in our environment and our communities. A healthy wildlife population ensures healthier plants, cleaner air, and a better balance in nature overall. If you appreciate nature and want to encourage more wildlife activity in your own backyard, there are several things you can do to attract animals and insects alike. Read on for some helpful tips you can use to preserve and promote healthy wildlife right where you live.

The Benefits of Creating Your Own Wildlife Sanctuary

Spending time outdoors can make you feel at ease, reduce stress, and give you time to clear your mind. When you create your own wildlife sanctuary, you’ll also get to enjoy the sights and sounds of mother nature in your own backyard. From singing birds to buzzing bees and scampering squirrels, wildlife is fun to watch and also brings about feelings of harmony and calm. By making a few changes to your backyard, you can become a part of the nature that surrounds you. You’ll also feel good knowing that you’re contributing to a healthy environment while encouraging pollinators, birds, and other creatures to thrive.

Creating a DIY wildlife sanctuary in your backyard is also a wonderful way to educate your children. This hands-on learning experience will spark the imagination and encourage yourkidsto want to learn more about science, animals, and the environment as a whole. As you bring in moreplantsand flowers, you’re also contributing to cleaner air and a better world.

DIY Wildlife Sanctuary: How to Attract Wildlife

No matter where you live or the size of your backyard, it’s easy to attract specific species toyour sanctuary. Remember to be patient when attempting to introduce new insects and animals to your backyard. It takes a little bit of patience and ingenuity, but eventually, your backyard will start to buzz with the activity of new creatures making it their home.

Bees

Bees are some of the world’s most important pollinators, so it’s always good to encourage them to thrive. Plant a few native wildflowers and other attractants that will lure bees to your garden orlandscape. Look for flowers that will thrive in your specific region and plant them in the backyard to attract bees and promote healthy pollination.

  • Bee Fountain: A bee fountain (orbee bath) is a wonderful way to encourage bees to thrive in your yard. This small fountain provides water to bees to keep them cool, feed their babies, dilute honey, and aid with healthy digestion. Take a shallow dish and place it on top of an inverted pot. Place river rocks at the bottom so the bees won’t drown, then fill it with fresh water somewhere in your garden.
  • Bee Hotel: This “insect hotel” is designed to attract solitary bees so they have a place to lay their eggs. Bee hotels include several cavities or holes all placed inside a single structure. You can make a bee hotel yourself using a wooden frame with hollow stems or empty bamboo canes placed inside These bee hotels are also available at many garden stores.

Squirrels

With their fluffy tails and charming mannerisms, squirrels are a fun addition to any backyard wildlife sanctuary. These little animals are easy to entice, and they’ll provide you with tons of entertainment and an enjoyable environment.

  • Nut Bowl: Squirrels love nuts, so fill up a tray with a selection of sunflower seeds, unroasted peanuts, and corn kernels. Keep your squirrel nut bowl away from bird feeders so that the squirrels will enjoy their meal without disturbing your feathered friends.
  • Squirrel Baffle: If you really want to enjoy your backyard wildlife sanctuary, add a squirrel baffle to the mix. These hanging contraptions give the squirrels a place to exercise, jump, and play. Squirrel baffles can feature a cone shape that wraps around your bird feeder pole, or they can be a cylinder that you attach to the pole to keep the squirrels away. Hanging baffles with a dome shape is the best option to enjoy the squirrel’s shenanigans.

Birds

The type of birds you attract to your backyard will depend on your region and climate. However, most birds respond favorably to anywhere they can enjoy a bath, a safe place to nest, and some food.

  • Birdhouses and/or Nesting Boxes: A birdhouse ornesting boxprovides native birds with a safe place to rest, lay eggs, and raise their young. Most birds prefer their nests to be in a hidden area, so place your birdhouse on a tree among lots of branches. Extra foliage will give the birds the privacy they need and keep them safe from predators.
  • Birdbath: It’s easy to attract birds by adding a simple birdbath to your backyard. This addition is especially helpful to birds during the hotter months of spring and summer. Make sure your birdbath is constantly full of clean water and change it often. Put gravel in the bottom of the birdbath so they can maintain their footing and place it near a shady area so the water doesn’t get too hot.

Hummingbirds

These tiny birds are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. You can lure hummingbirds to your backyard by providing them with an extra boost of energy in the form of delicious nectar. Hummingbirds migrate, but they stop in specific areas for a set period of time to feed before moving onto their destination.

  • Nectar (Hummingbird feeders): Your hummingbird feeder should be presented in bright colors that resemble a flower, such as yellow, red, purple, or pink. To feed your hummingbirds, fill the reservoir withhomemade nectarand avoid store-bought nectars, particularly the red-colored type since it’s actually dangerous to hummingbirds. Mix one cup of white granulated sugar with four cups of water and stir it thoroughly till fully dissolved. Hang your feeder from a tree branch or on your back porch and enjoy watching these tiny birds hover, squeak, and feed.

Butterflies

Butterflies are some of nature’s most beautiful insects. Their colorful wings add beauty to your backyard, and they also serve an important purpose as pollinators for plants and flowers.

  • Butterfly Garden: The best way to attract butterflies is to plant a variety of flowers they enjoy. Make sure you plant a diverse mixture of flowers to encourage several different types of butterflies to visit. Plant flowers in a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes and rotate your flowers to grow throughout all four seasons. Use shrubs or trees to protect butterflies from the wind so they can pollinate your garden in peace.
  • Caterpillars: You can also welcome caterpillars to your backyard, which are basically baby butterflies. These little crawling insects need a host plant where the larvae can feed. Research which caterpillar host plants will thrive in your area and include them in your butterfly garden so you can watch the metamorphosis take place.

Other Wildlife

Besides honeybees, butterflies, birds, and squirrels, you can do some things toattract other wildlifespecies, too. First, mimic or recreate the natural environment that animals are used to by minimizing excess clutter in your yard. Look for native plants and only use them in your garden or backyard. Wildlife knows which plants, trees, and flowers belong where they live and which ones do not. If you provide a source of water and food, it’s almost a guarantee that wildlife will come. Just make sure that you’re not encouraging animals to visit if you live in an area with a lot of traffic or where wildlife might not be welcomed by your neighbors. The key is to promote a healthy habitat by encouraging animals, birds, and insects to live here safely.

Do’s and Don’ts

As you plan your backyard wildlife sanctuary, there are a few important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

  • DO: Try to keep species separated to promote harmony and prevent overcrowding or fighting.
  • DO: Keep birdbaths, feeders, and other items clean and sanitary as much as possible.
  • DO: Provide natural sources of shelter for wildlife by planting shrubs and evergreen trees.
  • DON’T: Allow your backyard to become cluttered. Remove old furniture and toys to open up the backyard so animals will want to stay.
  • DON’T: Use dangerous pesticides and other chemicals to keep weeds under control. Always chooseorganic plant foodand pesticides so that your wildlife and the environment stays safe.
  • DON’T: Feed your wildlife table scraps, processed food, or any other form of “human food” as this can be detrimental to the wildlife population.

With a bit of patience and some creativity, you can start your very own private wildlife sanctuary at home. Remember to use native plants and flowers to entice pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Clean feeders and baths regularly and watch your wildlife flourish as you contribute to a healthy population of these important insects, animals, and birds.

  1. Hi John,

    this is actually Anthony from Bruch and Bruch. After looking at your website, I see that you actually do a lot more than I had thought. So, I am just looking for your opinion right now; I have been looking at moss lawns due to the fact that I live in an area up blue mountain where moss thrives. Specifically, I have been looking at Irish moss. is this something that you have worked with before? and do you have any opinions about moss lawns?

    thanks

    Reply

  2. checking on how to upgrade pool into rock pond

    Reply

  3. Our USA legislature should pass a “U.S.A Universal farm and wildlife at home sanctuary garden protection law” for anyone who wants to build gardens for protecting wildlife, pollinators or birds on their owned land, owned woods or in parts of any flowers gardens or with farm agency wildlife land processes!Land or home owners could have their home sanctuary gardens registered with any wildlife, bird or pollinator advocate groups or farm agency dedicated to producing and planting land for pollinators or wildlife or even birds! Any garden planted could help many birds and wildlife giving them a place on your land where it would be safe from intruders and each spot where ever planted adds up overtime one at a time planted! It’s a challenge that can work and all wildlife will be truly happy for it! My hope for a new law would ask …That the law would protect all home and land gardeners and the gardens for the wildlife! Pay backs replacement for damages of intrusions and no harassment, threats to gardeners at any time anywhere! It’s for protecting the work they do for wildlife and when registered and working with codes and ethics of the laws of your area and state!
    Something like that which hunters have for their protection laws!

    Reply

  4. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your enlightening blog post on transforming backyards into wildlife sanctuaries. Your passion for preserving wildlife and creating a healthier environment shines through in your words, and I truly appreciate the valuable tips you shared.

    Your emphasis on the importance of wildlife in maintaining a healthy ecosystem resonates deeply. By highlighting the crucial role played by insects, birds, and mammals, you remind us of the interconnectedness of all living beings. Your mention of the increasing human encroachment on the planet serves as a powerful call to action, urging each of us to take responsibility for preserving wildlife in our communities and surroundings.

    The practical tips you provided for attracting wildlife to our own backyards are both inspiring and actionable. Your emphasis on the positive impact that wildlife can have on our environment, such as healthier plants, cleaner air, and a better balance in nature, reinforces the benefits of creating a wildlife-friendly space.

    I particularly appreciate how your tips cater to a diverse range of wildlife, including insects and birds. This inclusive approach showcases your understanding of the value of every species and their contributions to the ecosystem. Your readers will undoubtedly find your suggestions helpful and empowering as they seek to foster a thriving wildlife community in their own backyards.

    Thank you for your dedication to nature and for sharing your knowledge on preserving and promoting healthy wildlife. Your blog post serves as a valuable resource for individuals who share your passion and want to make a positive impact on their immediate environment. Keep up the fantastic work!

    Reply

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How to Turn Your Backyard into A Private Wildlife Sanctuary (2024)

FAQs

How to Turn Your Backyard into A Private Wildlife Sanctuary? ›

Go Native. You will need to do some research on native trees, plants, and flowers that occur naturally in the wild where you live. Native flora provides food and shelter for wildlife and is better suited to the climate and soil. When planting, the key is to create multilayer trees and shrubs in proximity to one another ...

How do I turn my backyard into a natural habitat? ›

Go Native. You will need to do some research on native trees, plants, and flowers that occur naturally in the wild where you live. Native flora provides food and shelter for wildlife and is better suited to the climate and soil. When planting, the key is to create multilayer trees and shrubs in proximity to one another ...

How to establish a wildlife sanctuary? ›

  1. 10 Steps to Starting a Sanctuary. ...
  2. Get experience. - Visit other sanctuaries and shelters. ...
  3. Develop a team. - Identify other committed folks who may want to join in your effort.
  4. Land research. - Location: where will your sanctuary be located? ...
  5. Administration. - Nonprofit paperwork: set up 501c3. ...
  6. Finances. ...
  7. Programs. ...
  8. Future.

How to turn your property into a wildlife sanctuary online? ›

Go to the National Wildlife Foundation's website, check the boxes that apply to your space, elaborate a little bit on your habitat and pay the $20 fee, which gets you a subscription to the NWF's magazine, a certificate and also goes towards NWF outreach. You can also spring for the $30 sign.

What makes a wildlife sanctuary? ›

A wildlife sanctuary is a place of refuge where abused, injured and abandoned captive wildlife may live in peace and dignity for the remainder of their lives.

How do I make my yard a bird sanctuary? ›

Here are some steps YOU can take to help birds:
  1. Plant native plants. Many invasive species originally started out as garden plants that escaped. ...
  2. Provide fresh water. ...
  3. Keep cats indoors. ...
  4. Place decals on windows. ...
  5. Install a bird feeder in the winter (and take it down in the spring) ...
  6. Spread the word!
Jul 16, 2019

How can I turn my backyard into a biodiversity hotspot? ›

Leave leaf litter where it is as it provides habitat and food for wildlife and is much needed. Seeds, old berries, and insect pupae and eggs can be important food sources for migrating birds in early spring. Create a pond for wildlife. Work together with your child to create a small pond in your backyard.

How do I turn my yard into an ecological oasis? ›

The key is to select native plant species to adorn your yard. By opting to surround your home with native plants you not only ensure that your garden is more resilient, but you also support local wildlife and potentially endangered species.

Can a backyard be an ecosystem? ›

Ecosystems and food webs come in all shapes and sizes, and some ecosystems are much closer to home than you might expect: even a suburban backyard can be home to a complex web of producers, consumers, and decomposers.

How do animal sanctuaries make money? ›

To make ends meet, animal sanctuaries typically need to encourage their staff to seek contributions to their overall budget through donations or ongoing fundraisers. Calling for support online is an effective strategic move to achieve your animal sanctuary's financial goals.

Are wildlife sanctuaries good for animals? ›

These sanctuaries do the difficult and dedicated work of providing animals with the highest standards of humane care, free of any form of further exploitation. Fortunately, many animal sanctuaries are exactly what they claim to be… an end, finally, to all forms of abuse and exploitation for the animals in their care.

How many acres does the wild animal sanctuary have? ›

The Wild Mustangs get to again, and for the rest of their lives run, buck, and explore freely with no worries! ​Today, The Wild Animal Sanctuary encompasses more than 33,000 acres of space, with over 120 habitats.

What is a wildlife homestead? ›

The criteria for creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat are that you provide food, water, cover, places to raise young and that you are using sustainable practices, which pretty much sounds like the homestead most of us are familiar with in the first place.

Are local wildlife sites protected? ›

Do Local Wildlife Sites receive any protection? While they have no direct legal protection, Local Wildlife Sites are recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which gives them some protection from being developed.

What are the 5 elements of habitat? ›

The most critical aspect of wildlife conservation is habitat management. Habitat loss presents the greatest threat to wildlife. Five essential elements must be present to provide a viable habitat: food, water, cover, space, and arrangement. The need for food and water is obvious.

How do I make my yard a bird haven? ›

Hedges and short shrubs will bring in small birds like goldfinches, towhees, sparrows, and warblers. Tall trees will attract woodpeckers, hummingbirds, hawks, and owls, among others. If you don't have much greenery at your disposal, manmade structures like bird houses and nesting boxes will also work well.

How to create an habitat? ›

Creating a quality habitat
  1. Provide food. Plant a variety of flowering annuals and perennials that will bloom the entire growing season. ...
  2. Provide water. Water is essential for any wildlife habitat. ...
  3. Provide cover and places to raise their young.
Jul 5, 2023

How to help local habitat? ›

Ways to help your local wildlife
  1. Food: All wildlife needs suitable food. ...
  2. Water: Providing water supports wildlife in a range of ways: from giving small mammals and birds somewhere to drink and bathe, to providing a breeding habitat for amphibians and invertebrates.

Is farm sanctuary animal rights? ›

Farm Sanctuary is an American animal protection organization, founded in 1986 as an advocate for farmed animals. It was America's first shelter for farmed animals. It promotes laws and policies that support animal welfare, animal protection, and veganism through rescue, education, and advocacy.

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