Provide for Wildlife
 (See pages 21-23 in FY&N Handbook)

ith more than 1,200 kinds of animals, Florida ranks third in the nation in wildlife diversity.  Providing adequate food, water and shelter can increase the number and variety of species that live in your yard.
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wildlife - Butterflies.gif (16382 bytes)
Butterflies add beauty to our 
yards and pollinate plants.
wildlife - Larvae.gif (13885 bytes)
Protect butterfly larvae and 
provide them the plant food 
they need.
wildlife - Frog.gif (13885 bytes)
Frogs help keep mosquitoes and 
other unwanted insects under 
control.  They also serenade us 
at night, especially after a good 
rain.
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 FLORIDA YARD ACTIONS
Plant vines, shrubs and trees that provide cover, nesting areas, or food for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.  
Credit:  3 inches
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Provide a water source, such as a bird bath or a small pond, for wildlife.  
Credit:  1 inch
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Provide wildlife shelters such as a bat house, bird house, brush pile or a dead tree.  
Credit: 1 inch
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Identify five kinds of wildlife critters (insects, reptiles, animals, birds, etc.) that live in your yard.
Credit: 2 inches

______Total Inches
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Aquascaping for You and Wildlife

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Even small backyard ponds are beneficial to wildlife.  A balanced system including fish and plants won't need a pump or filters (as long as you don't feed the fish).

  • Flexible PVC or rubber liners allow you to create the pond shape you want.  Create a 9-inch wide shelf, about 9 to 12 inches below the water line, for potted aquatic plants.  Walls should have a 20 degree slope.
  • Preformed ponds are usually rugged, made of fiberglass or PVC.   They can be placed above or below the ground.

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Table of Contents Introduction What is A Florida Yard? Right Plant, Right Place Water Efficiently Maximize Mulch
Recycle Yard Waste Fertilize Appropriately Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Reduce Stormwater Runoff Provide for Wildlife On the Waterfront
Return to Florida Yardstick Workbook Return to FYN Publications