Julie Warriner, Gifted Youth Coordinator
Mar 28, 2025
You don’t need a passport or a park pass to help animals—just a patch of green space! From planting for pollinators to creating cozy critter shelters, there are simple ways to support wildlife right outside your door.
You don’t have to travel to a rainforest or a wildlife sanctuary to help animals - your own backyard (or even your balcony) can be a haven for wildlife! Here are some easy ways to become a Backyard Wildlife Hero and make a difference for the creatures right outside your door.
🦋 Plant for Pollinators – Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds rely on native plants for food. Planting flowers like milkweed, salvia, or firebush can attract these important pollinators while making your yard beautiful!
🐦 Offer a Bird Buffet – A simple bird feeder with seeds or nectar can help birds find food, especially during migration seasons. You can even make your own bird feeder using a pinecone, peanut butter, and seeds!
🐸 Provide Water for Wildlife – A small dish of water or a birdbath can be a lifesaver for animals in hot weather. Just be sure to change the water often to keep it fresh.
🏡 Create a Critter Shelter – A pile of logs or leaves can provide a safe hiding spot for insects, frogs, and small mammals. Even leaving a patch of your yard wild can create a mini nature preserve!
🚫 Be a Pesticide-Free Protector – Many pesticides harm beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Instead, try natural solutions like planting marigolds to keep pests away.
🐾 Watch, Don’t Touch – The best way to enjoy wildlife is to observe from a distance. If you see an injured animal, call a local wildlife rescue like Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.
Small actions can have a BIG impact. What will you do to make your backyard more wildlife-friendly?