While it is common practice to provide birdfeeders near homes to attract birds to the human environment, an even better option is to plant native trees and shrubs that provide nesting, roosting or foraging opportunities for birds, bats, bees and butterflies. By early summer, birdfeeders (including hummingbird feeders) can be taken down to encourage wildlife to naturally forage for their food.
Native trees and shrubs naturally occur in the region in which they evolved, over time adapting to local soil, rainfall and temperature conditions, as well as developing natural defenses to many insects and diseases. Animal species evolve along with plants using indigenous plant communities as their habitat. Planting native trees and shrubs helps to preserve the balance and beauty of natural ecosystems, while simultaneously providing people with the opportunity to observe birds, bats, bees and butterflies in your own backyard.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggests planting your yard in layers to mimic natural forest habitats. Some recommended species for our region include:
TALL TREES
Maples (Red, Silver, Sugar)
Birches (White/Paper and Yellow)
Oaks (White or Pin)
Black cherry
Balsam fir
White Spruce
Eastern White pine
Northern White cedar
SHORTER & UNDERSTORY TREES
American beech
American holly
Chokecherry
Winterberry
Silky Dogwood
Serviceberry
Witchhazel
SHRUBS
Elderberry
Silky dogwood
Black chokeberry
Viburnum
Blueberry (Lowbush and Highbush)
Spicebush
Sweet pepperbush
Others: Perennials, grasses, vines and groundcovers are also important to include. For example, native honeysuckle, cardinal flower (pictured above) or red bee balm can be planted to attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
