Wildscape for Wildlife

Imagine landscaping your yard to be a wildscape oasis that supports wildlife. We can do it here in El Paso using native plants adapted to our arid conditions. We can provide all kinds of animals with food, water and shelter. What is required, according to Scott Cutler the Curator of UTEP's Centennial Museum, is diversity - diversity of plants, diversity of hardscape.

In his talk to members of El Paso's Native Plant Society last evening, Dr. Cutler said that creating a wildscape for wildlife means knowing that diversity is the key. Diversity creates food chains that nourish birds, reptiles, insects and mammals.

We are all familiar with various bird feeders. Dr. Cutler mentioned plants such as sunflowers (even and especially the smaller varieties), sumacs, wolfberries, the New Mexico olive, grasses, ocotillos, mesquite and other native plants as well.

Animals also need water which, as we all know, is in short supply here in the El Paso southwest. All yards should have a birdbath and perhaps another water feature in the yard. Water sources should be kept shallow and provide a place for escape from prey. Even old milk jugs can be devised to let water slowly drip into a pan for thirsty animals.

Diversity in habitat and shelter is also vital. Different plants and rocks allow for places to hide, perch and nest. Birds need trees and brush for nesting. Big rocks are helpful especially in winter. Reptiles can absorb a little extra energy in evenings and can, therefore, forage longer. Cutler recommended keeping a brush pile that helps animals escape a predator in an open area. He suggested bat houses as well as bird houses and bee condos.

He singled out specific strategies for attracting hummingbirds. They like a variety of different colored flowers: penstemons, Indian paint brush as well as desert willow, trumpet vine (not a native) and honeysuckle. He suggested that hummingbird feeders be changed every two days. A bacterial build-up can be deadly for the birds. Hot water and vinegar followed by a thorough rinsing is key to a good cleansing of your hummingbird's feeder. The simple formula for feeding is 4 parts water to 1 part granulated sugar. It is the red flowers on the feeder that attract the bird - not a red colored liquid. Red dye is just as bad for the hummingbird as it is for us.

If you want to see about certifying your backyard as a wildlife habitat in the State of Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife has the information that you need here.