One of the fastest growing hobbies sweeping across the nation is watching wildlife. In fact, in terms of total participants, it is second only to gardening. In Georgia, for example, 80+% of all Georgians watch wildlife. A growing number of Georgians have discovered that they can combine both gardening and wildlife watching by transforming their backyards into wildlife habitats. As a result the new art of landscaping for wildlife has evolved.

Birds, butterflies and other kinds of wildlife can be attracted to any backyard when a homeowner provides wild creatures with living space, food, water and cover. Before embarking on a backyard wildlife habitat management plan, you will need information regarding the growth characteristics of the plants you wish to incorporate in your landscape design as well as the life histories and habitat requirements of the animals you wish to attract.

Once in place, your backyard habitat becomes an outdoor stage on which is played the life and death struggles of an amazing array of wild creatures. While the stage and characters change with the seasons, the drama itself never wanes.

If you would like information on how you can transform your backyard into a haven for wildlife, call the Nongame Conservation Section at (478)994-1438.