Folks who once lived in rural areas, where wildlife is plentiful, have learned that wildlife viewing in an urban setting can be equally rewarding. Many city folks have become so busy with day to day life that a back yard provides some of the only wildlife-associated recreation available to the family. Landscaping to attract wildlife does more than simply bring wildlife closer to you. By using native plants adapted to living in this climate, you will benefit economically through decreased watering and reduced maintenance. In addition, native trees and shrubs provide visual screens for privacy, help reduce noise and provide windbreaks, all making your yard a more enjoyable place to spend time.
Many native plants bear fruits which can be eaten fresh, dried or used in desserts and jellies.
The healthy environment created for wildlife means a healthy environment for you and your family. Your back yard can become a classroom to learn how plants and animals interact between species and with one another. Important lessons such as minimizing the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals can be learned. Reduced maintenance allows more time to spend weekends with family or friends rather than mowing or watering lawns. Landscaping for wildlife is no solution to reducing the enormous tracts of habitat such as native prairie or forests which have been destroyed.