Backyard & Balcony Habitat

Wildlife in the Lower Mainland live in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands and fields.  This habitat consists of four basic elements:  food, shelter, water and space.  As natural habitat is lost to urbanization it becomes important to provide areas for wildlife.  Green spaces still exist but they are often isolated making it difficult for wildlife to move between them.  By connecting these green spaces, wildlife corridors can be created.  One way of achieving this is by creating a backyard wildlife garden in your backyard or on your balcony.  The Institute of Urban Ecology also hosts Nature's Havens.

Here are a few simple things that can be done to provide habitat for wildlife:

Food - Plant native species of plants instead of ornamental varieties.  Wildlife feeds on the seeds, berries and nectar of these plants.

Shelter - Wildlife needs shelter to rest, raise their young and escape from predators.  Shrubs, rock piles, dead trees and nest boxes all provide shelter for wildlife.

Water - Install birdbaths, small ponds, streams or shallow dishes to provide wildlife with a clean source of water.

Space - Create a space that is safe from cats and dogs, traffic, pesticides and other human disturbances.