Plants for Birds, Butterflies and People Planting a diversity of native prairie flowers and grasses, along with shrubs and trees nearby, provides optimum habitat and opportunity to attract a variety of butterflies and birds. Wildlife in the schoolyard adds life, discovery, and educational opportunities. Planning and proper plant selection will increase the number and variety of butterflies and birds attracted to your planting. Select plants native to your region that are suited to the soil, moisture, and light conditions of your school yard. Then develop a plan that allows continuous bloom and takes into consideration wildlife needs for food, water, and shelter at different life stages.
Prairie flowers attract a diversity of pollinating insects.
Grazing insects such as grasshoppers, leafhoppers, and butterfly larvae feed on prairie grasses and forbs. These insects form the base of the food web, especially for birds. Birds also feed on the highly nutritious seeds produced by prairie plants. Tall and short grasses provide cover and nesting. A few selected woody plants located outside the prairie area provides optional habitat needs for butterflies and hummingbirds that forage for nectar on prairie flowers.