Garden for Wildlife

Animal Prints by Charlene Clark.

Who Goes There? Identifying Animal Tracks In Your Backyard

Are you eagerly awaiting the snowy season in order to take a peek at what critters have been scurrying through your backyard? Studying prints left by animals is an ancient … Read more

Nuttall's woodpecker fledgling by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Anthony Mancini.

8 Wonky and Wonderful Woodpecker Adaptations

Each winter I’m absolutely thrilled to see woodpeckers in the woods of Virginia. Woodpeckers are a welcome part of my cold weather hikes, when wildlife sightings become more rare. I’ve had … Read more

Winter Berries for Birds

Food is one of the four essential elements for wildlife habitat, and berry-producing shrubs are one of the best food sources for birds, particularly in the winter when other food … Read more

What to do With Fallen Leaves

Updated September 2024 You shouldn’t feel obligated to get rid of every last fallen leaf in your yard this fall. Leave the leaves — they offer a lot of benefits … Read more

Researchers Recognize Conservation Agriculture’s Benefits

For the first time, a land grant university has recognized the benefits of a conservation practice to productivity and is changing recommended fertilizer rates accordingly. Read more

Nuts for Wildlife

When we think of autumn, the first image that comes to mind is colorful leaves falling from the trees. Leaves, however, aren’t the only thing falling in the fall. This is … Read more

Monarchs on goldenrod

The Goldenrod Allergy Myth

Goldenrod blooms are an autumn delight — both for human admirers and wildlife visitors. Their sunny yellow flowers add beauty and interest to the late summer and early fall landscape … Read more

Why Leaves Fall from Trees in Autumn

French author Albert Camus tells us, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” And what opulent bouquets the leaves of autumn do create—whole mountainsides of dazzling … Read more

Surprising Similarities: What’s Going on in YOUR Backyard?

By Kim Kurki, author of World of Birds: A Beginner’s Guide Did you ever think of hummingbirds and woodpeckers as similar? Until recently, I didn’t. Where I live in Eastern … Read more

Monarch Butterfly by Bernadette Banville

Get Ready For Monarch Migration

If you spot monarch butterflies in your yard this month, there’s a good chance the eggs these insects are laying now will develop into the generation of adults that have … Read more