Forest Habitat

Both the general habitat type and the specific features of the habitat help to determine the wildlife species found in an area. This eight-page fact sheet describes some of the most important wildlife-habitat relationships to help you determine which species may be present on your property and how to improve the habitat for certain types of species. Additional fact sheets in this series describe specific management practices.

This 67-page book considers methods of establishing, maintaining, and improving agricultural and forestlands to attract a variety of wildlife species. Information on small-tract plantings and backyard feeding stations and designs for multipurpose nesting boxes are included. Illustrations are by wildlife artist Ned Smith. Cost = $4.00; how to order: http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/orders_CAS.asp

Wildlife is an integral part of any healthy forest community. Forests provide food and shelter for numerous wildlife species. In return, many of these species aid in seed dispersal, forest pest control, and many other ecological tasks that perpetuate healthy forests. Stewardship involves managing your forest so that populations of native species of wildlife persist for future generations. No matter how large or small your forest is, you can make a difference. Information presented in this 20-page publication will provide you, the landowner, with the basic knowledge you will need to begin wildlife stewardship on your property.

Wildlife is an integral part of any healthy forest community. Forests provide food and shelter for numerous wildlife species. In return, many of these species aid in seed dispersal, forest pest control, and many other ecological tasks that perpetuate healthy forests. Stewardship involves managing your forest so that populations of native species of wildlife persist for future generations. No matter how large or small your forest is, you can make a difference. Information presented in this 20-page publication will provide you, the landowner, with the basic knowledge you will need to begin wildlife stewardship on your property.

This six-page fold out explains the use of dead wood and cavity trees by various forms of wildlife. It also provides management considerations for harvesting dead wood.

Vernal ponds are temporary wetlands that fill after the snowfall each spring. This six-page fact sheet focuses on recognition, ecological importance, and protection of vernal ponds.

Riparian buffers protect water quality by intercepting sediment and pollution from agricultural fields, residential lawns, roadways, and other sources. This improves habitat for aquatic wildlife while providing food, cover, water, and breeding areas for many other kinds of wildlife. If you own agricultural fields that border a wide river, a cabin near a large lake, or even a small stream in your backyard, you can improve water quality and wildlife habitat by creating a riparian boundary. This fact sheet provides the information you will need to create an effective riparian buffer for wildlife while protecting water quality for everyone.

Does fencing for forest regeneration pay? The short answer is "yes"--if you want a diverse and sustainable forest resource in the future. This publication explores the problem of deer browsing, explains how it affects forest regeneration, and compares several varieties of fencing commonly used by forest owners.