Keeping a lawn appealing is tough when a drought restricts watering. Keeping an entire yard, including flower bushes, shrubs and gardens, neat and inviting can be twice as difficult. The back yard of the Bryants' home on Shoreline Drive in northeast Abilene is home to rabbits, skunks and armadillos as well as different birds and insects. It may not be the prettiest because of the recent lack of water, but it does have plenty of natural shelter, she said. Occasionally, snakes and ducks gather at the swimming pool.
Squirrels walk through the rose bushes lining the fence.
In certifying wildlife habitats, the federation wants people to realize the importance of protecting the environment, Teresa said. Applicants must complete detailed paperwork and submit a landscape drawing. Grass clippings and leaves are composted to keep parts of the yard moist. The birdbaths are constantly filled so visiting birds know drinking water is always available. An herbal garden between the home and a carport provides seasonings for meals and also food for some beneficial insects, which eat other insects that harm plants.