Fields that adjoin a wooded area are more attractive to wildlife when a grassy or shrubby border is established and maintained. Fencerows provide travel lanes between different habitat types if woody plants are present. Destroying fencerow vegetation reduces both the food supply and the cover that these areas provide. These buffer strips provide necessary cover, nesting and feeding areas for wildlife. Aerial photographs are available at no charge to the landowner from the Farm Service Agency office in each county.
Enlarged copies are available for a small fee.
On the map or photo, mark different habitat types with colored pens. Each type of habitat meets different wildlife needs, so for best results they should be intermixed on your property. Note areas that are isolated from other habitat types. Next, mark areas that might be improved for wildlife. Usually your habitat improvement will involve adding or removing vegetation.