As we look for meaningful ways to support declining bird and insect populations, a growing number of folks are turning their own backyards into wildlife havens. From suburban lots to rural homesteads, gardening for wildlife has become one of the most effective, and accessible, conservation practices for residents across the state. Ohio’s landscape, which was once dominated by forests, prairies, and wetlands, has become fragmented. These changes have significantly reduced habitat for native species. Yet even small patches of native plantings can create essential food and shelter for wildlife when added up across neighborhoods and communities.

Not all plants support wildlife equally. Many of our native species provide the nectar, seeds, habitat, and cover that local species evolved to depend on. A few standout performers for home landscapes include species like Milkweed – critical for monarch butterflies, Purple Coneflower – a favorite of goldfinches and bees, Black-eyed Susan – long bloom time and strong pollinator draw, Serviceberry – early spring berries for songbirds and Oaks – host to hundreds of native caterpillar species. A balance of plant species provides not only necessary food sources, but also suitable habitats for complete life cycles to take place. Unlike ornamental plants, many of which were bred for looks rather than function, natives supply high-quality food sources that support every stage of an insect or bird’s life cycle. Ornamental plants can bring you plenty of beauty and enjoyment, but there may be opportunities to diversify your plant species present around your yard and garden.

While plants provide food, wildlife also need clean water and safe shelter. Water sources can be as simple as a birdbath refreshed daily or as elaborate as a backyard pond. Even shallow dishes with pebbles will attract bees and butterflies. Shelter may include simple additions such as brush or log piles, nesting boxes sized for bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees, leaf litter left in beds over winter to protect overwintering insects and adding in some dense shrubs for cover. Many gardeners are now participating in “Leave the Leaves” efforts, which allows for natural debris to stay in place until late spring. This simple shift offers vital winter habitat for moths, butterflies, spiders, and beneficial beetles.

Homeowners are increasingly reducing lawn areas in favor of pollinator-friendly plantings. Replacing just 10–20% of a yard with native meadow plantings, or adding some tree plantings, can dramatically increase biodiversity. It is advisable to start with small sections rather than attempting a full-yard transformation at once. This gives you a chance to grow in understanding management commitments and slow expansion gives you the best chance of being successful without becoming overwhelmed.

For those new to wildlife gardening, local resources are widely available. OSU Extension offices and Master Gardener programs may offer plant lists, habitat guides, and gardening workshops. Your local Soil & Water Conservation Districts often host native plant or tree sales each spring. ODNR’s Division of Wildlife offers free fact sheets on pollinators, birds, bats, and beneficial insects. You may also be interested in the “Plant by Numbers” guides from the OSU Entomology Lab – which can be found at u.osu.edu/plantbynumbers. OSU Extension also has fact sheets on “Creating Living Landscapes for Birds, Butterflies, Bees, and Other Beneficials” for both native trees and native shrubs. Your local extension office can also help you access these resources.

Starting small with one bed, one corner, or a few containers, can create immediate impact. For many gardeners, the payoff is priceless: the first hummingbird sipping from a native columbine, the flash of a monarch darting around milkweed, or the flutter of a wren nesting just outside the window. In a world where environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, our role as backyard gardeners is not too small to generate positive change.

Frank Becker is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Ohio State University Extension – Wayne County, and a Certified Crop Adviser, and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or becker.587@osu.edu
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This article was previously published in The Daily Record.