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Saturday, June 30, 2007

After a breathtaking vision of trekking to Brazil to singlehandedly save land from deforestation, I realized I've already done something.

I have created a wildlife habitat in my backyard.

Last year, I became aware of the National Wildlife Federation's habitat certification program. I went online and found that I did indeed qualify.

An existing lilac and privet were already popular bird hangouts when my husband and I bought our urban property nearly 20 years ago. Over time, I have planted chokecherries, elderberries, raspberries, blueberries, bee balm, hollies, rhododendrons and viburnums to attract bees and birds.

I let volunteer milkweed plants stand for the butterflies, along with goldenrod and various native asters. A brushpile provides cover for small mammals. Birds can visit two feeding stations and five birdbaths. I don't use pesticides, and fertilize with a fish emulsion and compost.

To create my gardens, we had to cut down quite a few trees -- probably 10 in all. They were stray maples.

But there are plenty of trees left on my 50-foot-by 175-foot lot and adjoining properties -- ash, birch, a half dozen maples, an old pear and a young pear, a pine, a few spruce and a 12-foot-tall pussy willow.

Several nearby trees are now so tall that crows, those juvenile delinquents of the bird world, now use them as a regular hangout.

Residents of multiple-acre properties that include woods, ponds and streams may find the idea of a tiny urban wildlife habitat ridiculous. Wildlife does need broad swathes of unimproved land to thrive.

But birds also need resting stops, and nesting spots, everywhere they travel.

One of the books I used for reference in planning my habitat was "Your Backyard Wildlife Garden," by Marcus Schneck.

In his introduction, Schneck writes, "Every property owner can lend a hand in this ultimate battle for the survival of life on Earth. Every quarter-acre or half-acre or tiny terrace can be brought to its fullest potential for use by and benefit to wildlife."

My gardens are not a place to come and see the rare and unusual.

My mammal population consists of red and gray squirrels, voles and a skunk. Cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, robins, sparrows, finches, mourning doves and starlings are regular visitors. I am usually delighted by the brief, annual appearance of the comical rose-breasted grosbeaks. Hummingbirds quickly find my fuschia plant.

I usually have a healthy supply of bumblebees and honeybees, but this year I'm not seeing so many. A few monarch butterflies drop by each year.

I didn't intend to make a difference when I planned my gardens to attract wildlife. I just enjoy the sight and sounds of birds, butterflies and bees.

Still, I'm proud of the sign that proclaims that my space is a certified wildlife habitat. Maybe it will inspire others to set up a bird feeder.

Most of all, that sign reminds me my gardens aren't just about me anymore. It nudges me to ask, "What have I done for the birds today?"

Liz Soares is a freelance writer and the author of "All for Maine: The Story of Gov. Percival P. Baxter." She welcomes e-mail at Baxter24@aol.com

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