Living where we do, there is a deep appreciation and respect for the powerful beauty of nature. You can readily experience a variety of wildlife, both plants and animals around the Muskoka Region and Huntsville. Our close-knit communities have worked well together to help preserve and conserve our colorful biodiversity. Spend time in any neighbourhood around here and you are sure to find plenty of green spaces, parks and trails and forests, lakes and ponds, all providing vital habitat to wildlife. Within our own properties, we have a chance to help enhance wildlife in the area by creating a backyard habitat for the garden.
The idea of a backyard habitat has become popular over the years, especially in urban centres, where green space can be at a premium. But even beyond major metro regions, establishing a backyard habitat in your yard or garden can still make a big difference. With spring around the corner, now is a great time to start planning for this year’s landscaping and gardening. If you keep the idea of a backyard habitat in mind, you will also be helping our local wildlife.
The key to establishing a backyard habitat is to provide habitat for permanent and migratory species in the area. Native plants help keep the biodiversity of a region healthier compared to invasive non-native plants. Many species of bird, butterfly and bees, for example, are dependent on native plants. As our biggest pollinators, the better off these wildlife communities are, the better off we will be too. Providing shelter is another big key to a wildlife backyard habitat. A range of plant types and sizes and some basic design elements with natural materials, such as stone, can help provide shelter to many small animals.
You need not go to the extreme in creating a wildlife backyard habitat either. Simple design elements from potted planters along your patio or deck, to adding in a variety of fruit trees or flowering shrubs can make a big difference toward attracting wildlife to your garden. It’s also important to follow green gardening practices, using non-chemical solutions to yard maintenance.
To encourage more backyard habitats, and help spread awareness of the importance of these small, but impactful places for wildlife, The Canadian Wildlife Federation offers a Backyard Habitat Certification program. Certified habitats can display signs noting a yard or garden is wildlife friendly. Seeing these signs makes for a great way to start a conversation about the importance of conservation.
If you are planning to sell your property, updating your landscaping is a great way to increase your curb appeal. Having a Certified Backyard Habitat could be just the “Wow” factor your listing needs. If you happen to be in the market for a cottage, home or condo in and around the Huntsville area, you are sure to find some amazing backyard habitats here. Whether you are ready to sell or buy put the care and expertise of The Rick Wearing & Sandra Parrott Team to work for you. Please call us at 705-788-3535 or email at info@WearingParrottTeam.com today!
This information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable. The Wearing Parrott Team does not guarantee accuracy; we recommend information be validated independently