Wildlife Upland Habitat

Creation, maintenance or improvement of food and cover for upland wildlife.

How it works

Planting trees, shrubs and other vegetation that provide or maintain cover and food will attract wildlife. The type of habitat provided will determine types and numbers of wildlife attracted.

How it helps

• Reduces soil erosion, adds organic matter to the soil, filters runoff, and increases infiltration by adding ground cover
• Provides food and cover for wildlife
• Can add value to a farmstead

Planning ahead

• Will your planned habitat attract the types of wildlife you want?
• Is a particular piece of land better suited for upland habitat than for livestock or crops?
• Do you plan to allow hunting?
• Are there endangered or threatened species in your area that you could help protect?
• How close do you want the habitat area to your farmstead?

Technical notes

• Plant the wildlife area with vegetative cover of grass, trees or shrubs.
• Manage livestock use of the area.
• To attract a specific wildlife species, choose cover and habitat appropriate for that species.
• Create a diverse habitat to attract a wider variety of wildlife.
• Consult with an NRCS or other local wildlife biologist for recommended wildlife populations for the area.
• Include a food plot if possible.
• Encourage shrub growth between woodlands and grasslands.
• Include bird houses and feeding stations in habitat areas.
• Plant fruit and nut bearing trees or shrubs to the windward side of a woodland habitat area.

Maintenance

• Prescribed burning may be helpful to regenerate growth or eliminate undesirable species.
• Use weed management to maintain desirable plant and animal species.
• Replant vegetation and trees if habitat area is damaged by disease or poor weather.

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Last Modified:  09/10/2007