For many people, the opportunity to see, interact with or simply enjoy the company of wild things is an important part of life. Finding a mayflower, greeting a returning bird or hearing an old familiar song are serious parts of spring. Catching a glimpse of a hunting hawk, or a skunk with her trail of kits, or even hearing the first spring peepers somehow improves the day in ways that are hard to describe, but known to many. Whether it is with birds, mammals, amphibians or plants, we are reminded of how beautiful life here can be, and of our kinship with so many creatures great and small.

These information sheets are written for those who wish to enhance their surroundings for wildlife. The principles that we recommend can work with big areas or small, from suburban lots to large woodlots. The keys to successful wildlife enhancement are planning, patience, the willingness to experiment, love for what you are doing - in effect, the same skills that a good gardener uses. As with a garden, the returns are often truly amazing.

All types of wildlife are intimately involved with their habitats, the places where they live. While requirements may change through the season, all habitat must provide shelter, food, water, some degree of protection from enemies, and an appropriate amount and type of space for living. If you provide good habitat, wildlife will always appear and use it. In almost every case wildlife enhancement thus means habitat manipulation: knowing what mix of plants and protective cover will enhance desired species. Often small changes will bring excellent results. Here are our recommendations, presented in a step-wise manner.

This may be as simple as making a little sketch map of a suburban backyard area to as complex as creating a detailed inventory of a major woodlot. In either case you should ask yourself "what is here now?" (including trees shrubs, food plants, etc.) and "how is this changing, as trees grow and die?" This is the point where you may need to consult reference material or ask the experts. There is a tremendous amount of locally useful information available and many people willing to help.

Perhaps you want to want to create a wild garden to attract birds or butterflies. Maybe a small pond would add to the interest of your property. Or you might want an area to watch birdfeeders in winter. In any case, the time to start planning is well before the season. Ask yourself the following: What kinds of wildlife am I interested in supporting? Will the changes I make bring unwanted species? (A passing skunk is interesting; one that decides to winter under your porch is different). Are there provincial or municipal regulations I must follow? Are there any safety concerns?

In many cases you will start by planting or trans-planting a variety of plants. Try to use native species as much as possible. These are hardy to the area and do not pose a problem of spreading to create a nuisance. Start with the bigger items such as tree seedlings and shrubs, then interplant to provide the balance that you want. Don't interfere too much - remember that you want a wild garden or area, not something that looks like a golf course.

Much effort is spent these days in work that creates no joy. Prince Edward Island has a great climate for growing a wide variety of plants. Most areas would greatly benefit just by being left alone for a few hundred years. In that spirit, the work described in the Wildlife Enhancement series involves "tweaking" the ecosystem rather than giving it another workover. There has been enough of that already. It may involve growing or transplanting some new plants to add diversity to a woodland. Or planting out highbush cranberries to attract Bohemian waxwings. Or just learning to appreciate the old hedgerow at the edge of the farm. All of these activities should be enjoyable. Rather than feel you're taking on an impossible task, chip away at whatever it is you want to do. Think of all you will learn in the process. Have fun with it.

• Woodcock
• The Raven
• The Squirrels
• Virgin's Bower
• Mountain Holly
• Mice and Voles
• Brown Creeper
• Saw-Whet Owl
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Winterberry Holly
• Island Hedgerows
• Northern Goshwak
• Brush and Rock Piles
• Attracting Birds in Winter