The Registry of Nature Habitats

Drawing a Site Map

Drawing a site map is as simple as the sample site we will use.   This sample site map is for a property about 1/2 acre in size.  Now look at a site map for the same property providing all four elements required for a Nature Habitat.  This may be a more ambitious than you expected, but remember, this is a plan and it can be accomplished over several years.  This yard now contains all four elements and 14 of the 16 components of a habitat.  It originally only had 2 or 3 and those were at bare minimum.  The only components missing are: Cut Banks, Cliffs & Caves and Snags.  Banks, Cliffs & Caves must be present and cannot be created easily while Snags can be created by not cutting down dead trees.  For safety reasons, it is a good idea to cut off all the outer branches and top the tree if it is near your house or in an area frequented by people.

Let's identify the components on the new design for our sample site.

1. Feeders - There are four feeders scattered about the property.
2. Water - The site now has a small pond and two birdbaths.
3. Dust Beds and Grit - The garden will have one small section.
4. Salt - Will be provided in the bird feeders.
5. Brush Pile - Instead of removing brush, it is now piled in corner of property.
6. Nest Boxes - The site now has four nest boxes.
7. Conifers - The number of evergreens has been increased dramatically.
8. Gasses & Legumes - Are now planted around the pond, by the garden and near front fence.
9. Butterfy, Bee & Moth Plants -  The perennial beds will be full of plants these critters love.
10. Hummingbird Plants - Same as above including monarda, trumpet vine, columbine, etc....
11. Summer Plants - Rasperries, blackberries,vines, etc...
12. Fall Plants - Winterberry, cotoneaster, grasses, etc...
13. Winter Plants - Crabapple, chokecherry, cranberry, etc...
14. Nut & Acorn Trees - Two nut trees were planted on far side of driveway.

If this plan was implemented over a few years, it would not be long before this property was full of wildlife.

What's Next!

Draw a site map of your property and identify all of the Components of a Habitat found on the property.  Identify the Habitat Type you have and what the general habitat types found in you local community are.  Identify the components you wish to introduce.  Remember, it is rare for a property to have all 16 components.  If you can develop a property to contain 10-12, that is excellent.  Keep in mind your budget.  This will determine how much you can do.  Below is a list of the components of a habitat in the order importance to a small property.

1. Water
2. Feeders
3. Bird Houses
4. Salt
5. Dust Beds & Grit
6. Butterfly, Bee & Moth Plants
7. Hummingbird Plants
8. Summer Plants
9. Fall Plant
10. Winter Plants
11. Grasses & Legumes
12. Conifers
13. Nuts & Acorns
14. Brush & Rock Piles
15. Snags
16. Cut Banks, Caves & Cliffs

As you can see, the more important components for a small property are those that are plant components vs structural components.