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Texas Wildscapes is a habitat restoration and conservation plan for rural and urban areas. It enables Texans to contribute to wildlife conservation by developing wildlife habitats where they live, work and play.
Texas Wildscapes provide the essential ingredients for a variety of wildlife – food, water, shelter, and space. This is done by planting and maintaining native vegetation, installing birdbaths and ponds and creating structure. Feeders can supplement native vegetation, but can never replace it. The goal is to provide places for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife to feed and drink, escape from predators and raise their young.
A Painted Bunting is only one of the colorful songbirds that can be attracted to yards having effective wildscape planning.
Creating a "backyard habitat" by replacing part of your lawn with native plants not only benefits wildlife, but it's less expensive and easier to maintain. Less lawn means less mowing. Native plants are hardy and drought-resistant, so they need little or no water or care. Since these plants are more tolerant of native insects and diseases, they require no chemical treatments and thus are better for the environment.
Texas Wildscapes does not provide license to ignore local or county laws, homeowners' agreements or other covenants. Please respect local guidelines.
Using native plants attracts a variety of wildlife. Hummingbirds, for example, are attracted to tubular flowers like salvia, coral honeysuckle and cardinal flower. You can also attract songbirds to feast on agarita, beautyberry or black cherry trees you have planted. Imagine sharing territory with wildlife and experiencing the thrill of seeing a creature in the wild without having to travel any further than your own backyard.
Columbine flowers provide colorful attraction, haven and food for wildlife.
By inviting wildlife to seek refuge on your property, you can enjoy and understand the role wildlife plays in your community. Attract wildlife by planting trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses at your home, at school, or at work. It helps our wildlife, and it's fun!
Texas Wildscapes is more than a backyard program. It applies to rural properties as well; even community parks, business offices, churches, schools and apartments can be involved. You can do more than just attract birds. Every species has its own specific habitat requirements. If you know those requirements, chances are good that whatever you desire – butterflies, frogs or even lizards – will be visiting your site!
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744