Page 34 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News When it comes to winter wildlife, it is beneficial to find ways to attract the good wildlife while repelling the bad wildlife. Attracting the good wildlife In “Attracting Winter Wildlife: Don’t Let the Cold Weather Keep the Critters Away” Nikki Thomas shares some ways to attract wildlife by providing them with shelter and food. A yard with trees and shrubs can provide both food and shelter for wildlife. Thomas says, “one example is the red cedar, a juniper that provides food and a protective shelter for many kinds of birds. Hackberry…is dined on by about 50 species of birds, including roadrunners and titmice. Cedar waxwings and fox sparrows are among the birds to feast on the berries of Hawthorn trees in the wintertime.” Other types of trees can provide nuts and acorns for a variety of wildlife. The twigs and branches from trees can be piled up and made into a shelter for wildlife. As Thomas says, “By taking reasonable steps to create a more natural environment This winter enjoy the wildlife you want to enjoy... Attract the good and repel the bad focused on attracting winter wildlife, people can contribute organically to the health of the soil, water and air in local neighborhoods and regional communities.” The Total Pond Blog shares ways for those who have ponds to create a winter sanctuary for wildlife. Making shelters and habitats is one way to help wildlife survive in the winter. As the blog says, “Areas of longer grass, overgrown corners or piles of wood or stones, can offer vital protection for many creatures.” Piles of rock with leaves around them also provide shelter. Additionally, “a compost heap, or log pile in your garden can provide a perfect winter refuge for amphibians.” Planting shrubbery such as white spruce, balsam fir, evergreen shrubs can provide winter shelter. Holly and rose bushes can provide food for both birds and deer. Make sure drinking water is available and accessible to wildlife. Aerators and pondheating units can keep the pond from freezing. Continued --
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