Suburban and Urban 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.

Bluebirds are one of Pennsylvania's most beloved songbirds. Bluebird numbers declined sharply in the mid-1900s, but they have made a significant comeback primarily because of the management activities of landowners across the state. This four-page fact sheet on bluebirds covers general biology, habitat requirements, management practices, bluebird box design, and sources of additional information.

By replacing all or part of your lawn with native vegetation that provides food and cover, you can create a refuge to attract variety of wildlife. As homeowners become aware of the costs of maintaining lawns, both to people and to wildlife, many are choosing to replace all or part of their lawns with more wildlife- and environment-friendly alternatives. This six-page publication covers alternatives to lawns, planting and preparing for your meadow, maintaining a meadow or prairie, landscape ordinances, and sources of wildflowers and grasses.

Sixteen hummingbird species occur on a regular basis in the United States, but only the ruby-throated hummingbird is found east of the Mississippi River. This six-page fact sheet covers many aspects of hummingbirds and how to attract them to your property. Topics include general biology, habitat requirements, food, water, management practices, plants that attract hummingbirds, hummingbird feeders, and sources of additional information.

Landscaping for wildlife can restore critically needed habitat and beautify your yard at the same time. This six-page fact sheet presents guidelines for selecting woody plants such as trees, shrubs, and vines and designing your landscape with the goal of providing wildlife habitat.

Butterflies have long fascinated people with their beautiful wings and whimsical flight. They also are extremely important ecologically. This six-page publication covers the butterfly life cycle, and explains how to manage your garden to attract butterflies. It includes lists of common Pennsylvania butterflies and host plants for caterpillars and adults, as well as references for more information.

Homeowners across America are changing the face of the typical American lawn. Using gardening and landscaping practices that harmonize with nature, they are diversifying their plantings, improving wildlife habitat, and reducing lawnmower noise, air and water pollution, and yard waste. This eight-page publication provides strategies for the natural landscape homeowner who is looking for neighborly ways to garden for nature.

Feeding birds is a great way to brighten a dreary winter day. It's also a never-ending source of entertainment and enjoyment. Action, color, drama, song—it's all there at your backyard bird feeder. This eight-page publication covers different types of birds, food and feeders, bird seed and other foods, feeder placement, landscaping for birds, and more.

Adding a bird bath to your yard is the easiest way to provide drinking and bathing water for birds. This 8-page publication provides information on bird baths and backyard ponds with sections on creating a simple backyard pond, choosing materials for your pond, adding plants to your pond, and caring for and maintaining your bird bath and pond.