Anyone can create a welcoming haven for local wildlife. Turning your yard, balcony container garden, schoolyard, work landscape, or roadside greenspace into a Certified Wildlife Habitat® is fun, easy, and can make a lasting difference for wildlife.
National Wildlife Federation Naturalist and author of “Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife,” David Mizejewski shares everything you need to know to create and enhance beautiful habitats in your own yard. For more information on gardening for wildlife in your community, visit: nwf.org/garden
“Owls are not nest builders,” says Beth Mendelsohn, a biologist at the institute. “So we encourage homeowners not to remove dead trees or snags so owls can nest inside them.” That’s especially helpful for larger species such as barred owls. Smaller ones, including screech and barn owls, will be quite comfortable in a simple wooden nesting box that you can buy or build. Position it on a large tree 10 to 20 feet above the ground and away from the glow of exterior lights.