Building Backyard Biodiversity

While you get ready to explore biodiversity in the capital region this weekend, give some thought to the native plants and wildlife that may already be in your yard, boulevard, or balcony. Try to include some iNaturalist observations from your home landscape, and consider some ways to improve the habitat value of your yard:

Food
Choose a variety of native plants that have co-evolved with local wildlife. Different types of plants such as colourful flowers and nut and seed bearing trees and shrubs will provide food throughout the season. Flowers with different colours, shapes and bloom times will support various types of pollinators and birds. Remove invasive plants as they outcompete local plants and can support invasive wildlife.
Water
Depending on your budget and space you can add a bird bath, a pond or simply add a shallow water dish with a few pebbles or stones for insects. No matter the type of water source you choose, make sure to change the water and clean the container regularly to avoid the spread of disease and mosquitos.
Shelter
Provide plants, natural elements and artificial shelter for wildlife to use for cover, rest, hunting and breeding. Gardening with plants of various types and heights supports a greater diversity of wildlife. Evergreen trees are particularly important in the winter months when temperatures are cooler, whereas deciduous trees and shrubs can provide important shade mid-summer. Natural elements like snags (dead trees) are vital for many local bird species as they use the tree cavity to sleep and raise their young. Artificial units like bird nesting boxes can be an alternative when snags are not available.
Natural Gardening Techniques
• Avoid pesticides so your yard is a safe place for biodiversity.
• Add compost to help return nutrients to the soil and support decomposers.
• Mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, add nutrients to soil, and provide shelter.
• Use water wisely and let your lawn go golden. It will return to green with the fall rains.
• Practice green lawn care by reducing lawn area, and leave grass cuttings on lawn.

Biodiversity allows humans to thrive and supports us in many ways from pollinating our food, cleaning our water, and improving our well-being. Building backyard biodiversity helps our communities and vital ecosystems that support us. No matter the size of your garden from small patio to large country lot, you can make a difference.

There are many benefits of gardening with biodiversity in mind:
• Conserve local biodiversity
• Create and maintain habitat and corridors for wildlife
• Attract wildlife that can help control potential pests in your yard
• Pollination for food and beautiful flowers in our region
• Return nutrients to the soil through decomposition
• Support your physical and mental health

Learn more ways to build backyard biodiversity at www.crd.bc.ca/gardening.

Posted on May 19, 2021 07:10 PM by capital_regional_district