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Home Sweet Home

4/20/09

When we use the word habitat our minds think of nature. But habitat is synonymous with home, locale, as well as environment. “She’s a farm gal,” “he’s from town,” or “they live at the lake” are ways of describing human habitat here in Auglaize County.

Likewise wildlife live in habitat suited for their particular species. A wood thrush lives and thrives in deciduous woods here in Ohio. The older and larger the woods, the greater the number of these flutelike singers will be found. Mowed yards and open fields support the needs of robins and bluebirds. Ducks need water in the form of lakes, wetlands, or streams.

The three basic components of habitat for all life are food, shelter, and water. Without a variety of habitat, plant and animal populations will weaken and even disappear. Our responsibility is to care for our needs but also the needs of wildlife and plant life.

If you are cooking up an outdoor project this spring, consider what effect the alteration will have on the three basic components of wildlife habitat. Sort of like “call before you dig,” it is a good idea to get some help and advice from a professional. The Division of Wildlife offers this help through regional biologists who will assist in planning and funding your project free of charge. You can also contact your NRCS in Wapakoneta for help.

A win/win can be achieved if we create human habitat that takes into account the needs of wildlife. We can take actions on a small or large scale. It can be as simple as setting aside a small corner of your lawn for a water feature, wild flower, or butterfly garden.

On larger tracts such as farms, parks, golf courses, or large residential lots, nest boxes, riparian buffers or grass filter strips along stream banks, windbreaks, field borders, tree plantings, and wetland construction are all great ways to improve the quality of wildlife habitat. When two or more of these practices are combined, the quality of habitat is greatly improved both for people and wildlife.

Celebrate habitat with the Tri-Moraine Audubon Society on Wednesday, May 6, 2 PM at the St. Marys Memorial Park on the covered bridge, with the dedication of the St. Marys River- Grand Lake St. Marys Important Bird Area. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to attend.

Allison Brady, Executive Director
Heritage Trails Park District- Your Auglaize County Parks