From the Spring 2012 Conservationist for Kids

A group of children planting a wildlife garden near a building

The Outside Page

By Gina Jack

Outdoor Explorer

Take a walk outdoors to look for signs that habitat has changed over time. Follow a trail through a field and into a forest. Is the change from field to forest quick, or is it gradual? Why? (HINT: Is the forest beside a mowed area or a wild area?) As you walk through the woods, do you see signs that it was once a field? (HINT: Watch for old fences or stone walls and the stone foundations of buildings.)

Watchable Wildlife

Watchable Wildlife sites are great places to look for animals. Is there a designated Watchable Wildlife site near your home or school? Is there watchable wildlife in your yard or neighborhood? Keep a journal with a record of what you see. Include drawings or photos as well as your written observations. Does the time of day or the time of year seem to affect what kinds of animals you see?

Create Wildlife Habitat

You can create habitat for wildlife at home or at school just by leaving a corner of the yard to go wild, or by planting a wildlife garden. There are flower gardens that attract butterflies, and seed gardens that attract birds, even gardens for toads. As you plan your garden, think about how it will provide all of the components of good habitat: food, water, shelter and space. There are lots of ideas from the National Wildlife Federation .