Student Worksheet

Objective: To make the concern for wildlife habitat personal by designing your own backyard so it will attract wildlife.

1. Obtain approximate dimensions of your yard _________________________
   

2. Using poster paper, sketch neatly your yard and house (from a helicopter's view); use pencil 1st then color.

   a. Show directions of exposure (N, S, E, W)

   b. Draw in any immovable object (driveways, walks, garage)

   c. Use these symbols (and put key on your sketch)

   H=house	W=water (pond)-indicate size	PL= plants already there or list their name
   G=garage	BH=birdhouse	F=fence
   P=porch	BF=birdfeeder	L=lawn area
   D=driveway	R=rockpile	DB=dustbath
   V=veggy garden	BP=brushpile	B=birdbath

3. Your budget is $500. Use the laminated plant pictures to select at least 10 shrubs and 5 trees. List selected plants on the chart on the reverse side; make sure you list what the plant needs (shade, sun, zone numbers, etc.). We are in zone 7 or 8; your plant must survive in this zone.
   

4. Using handouts provided, fill in the rest of the chart on the reverse side. If your selected plant is not listed, choose another.
   

5. Using your chart of plants, make a plan to attract wildlife to your yard. Sketch in the plants you plan to add (those already labeled with a PL and new ones) as directed by teacher. Keep in mind the requirements of each plant: full sun, partial sun, full shade, zone 7 or 8. Don't put a plant that needs full sun in the shade! (The north side of a building is usually shaded). If there is not room in your yard, either do your dream home or remove some plants from your yard (on paper only please.)
   

6. Add a minimum of
   2 birdhouse--use BH as symbol (fill in chart below too)

   2 feeders--use BF as symbol)

   2 water sources--use B for birdbath or W for pond
   

   Make a chart for birdhouses
   

   Design is for House Dimensions

   Colors (why these?)

   Placement

   Likelihood (1-10) that these birds will be in your area.

   
   
   
   
   

7. Last, but not least, your bird and other wildlife friends may need additional food besides what your plants provide. A very important note to keep in mind: If you feed birds in the winter, they may become dependent on you and may die if left unattended so you must continue feeding once started into the spring!!!!

   -------Birdseed is inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk (Eagle Hardware is cheap).

   -------Keep in tight containers to keep away rodents (garbage pails with lids are good). What additional morsels will you put out for your wildlife friends(ideas from your wildlife needs slides).
   

   To Turn In: A. Chart of plants/heights/descriptions/value to wildlife/etc.; B. Sketch of backyard with dimensions and symbols of plants, etc.; C. Description of birdhouse put in (see #6 above); D. Additional foods provided.

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