Spring Valley Greenspace

Food sources should focus on native vegetation first and should include annuals,
perennials, grasses, shrubs, small and large trees.

Artificial feeders, such as bird and squirrel feeders, can be used to supplement the
natural food sources, but should not be the sole source of food. Artificial feeders can
result in overabundance of certain wildlife species.

Use natural vegetation to provide sources of shelter. To prepare for winter, make sure
your habitat provides thick evergreen vegetation in abundance. Examples include
yaupon, southern wax myrtle, barbados cherry, coralberry, live oak or cherry laurel. A
variety of species use this vegetation to rest, nest and avoid predators.

Try to replicate natural habitats in your landscape. Layer the vegetation, resembling what
you would see in a naturally forested area. Plant tall canopy trees, with smaller trees
beneath the larger ones. Then add understory shrubs, perennials, grasses and
groundcovers.

Dead tree (snags), fallen logs, and other natural cavities provide shelter and nesting
areas for several wildlife species. Insect-eating bats, woodpeckers, owls, swifts, martins
and swallows utilitize hollow cavities as shelter and nesting areas. Fallen logs are
inhabited by a host of insect, invertebrate and fungal life that all provide balance in the
ecosystem.

Artificial nest boxes can also be used to supplement the natural vegetation and cavities
in a habitat. Wildlife species that utilize nest boxes are fairly specific about the box
dimensions. Build or select a box that is appropriate for the species you are trying to
attract.

Rock walls, brick piles, stacked wood, compost piles, overturned flower pots, and such
can serve as shelter for a variety of small wildlife species.

Encourage respect for all aspects of nature in your habitat. The presence of insects in
your habitat shows that you have been successful in attracting a key component of the
food web. Birds, ladybugs, frogs, lizards, spiders, bats and such eat insects. By leaving
insects in your habitat, you are maintaining a reliable food source for those insectivorous
wildlife species.

Water sources are also important. Providing a birdbath, artificial pond or natural pond
can supplement the water necessary for life. Birdbaths and containers require regular
replenishment and cleaning. A pond provides a year-round source of water with less
maintenance. Drippers and misters create moving water, which is often attractive to
wildlife.

Plants to avoid in your pond include alligatorweed, Eurasian water milfoil, giant
duckweed, giant salvinia, hydrilla, water hyacinth, water lettuce, water spinach, torpedo
grass, lagarosiphon and Melaleuca. All of these plants are illegal to possess in the state
of Texas!

A wildscape is a safe harbor in which wildlife can find the resources they need. It is
not an "official wildlife sanctuary". You determine what can and cannot be done on
your property within the context of your city and neighborhood association
guidelines. A wildscape is not an excuse for ignoring city and county regulations.

Creating habitat for butterflies is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Some key
components of your butterfly habitat are:

* Sunny areas - plants that butterflies like require bright sunshine.
* Splashes of color - Butterflies are attracted to flowers by color. Groups of color are
easier to locate than isolated plants.
* Single flowers - The nectar of single flowers is more accessible and easier to extract
than double flowering plants.
* Host plants - Female butterflies lay their eggs only on certain host plants that will
nourish the young caterpillars after they hatch. Grow those plants that supply food for the
caterpillars.
* Damp areas - Butterflies cannot drink from open water. Wet sand, earth, or mud are the
best watering holes.
* Basking stones - Butterflies often perch on stones to bask in the sun. Basking raises
their body temperature so that they are able to fly and remain active.