Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat

• Introduction
• Learners
• Standards
• Process
• Resources


• Student Page

by Julie Moring, University Of Mary Washington

We share our environment with many plants, animals,insects, and other beneficial organisms that many of us take for granted and neglect to recognize as contributors to our surroundings, without which our world would be dull, boring, and perhaps uninhabitable. This webquest seeks to bring students in touch with the nature that could be at our back door if we provide the necessary elements to attract, nurture, and sustain a variety of native plants, animals, and other beneficials in a beautified, natural setting for all to enjoy.

Teacher Introduction

Teachers,

The "Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat" webquest is a great project that can be adapted to any grade level to teach students the importance our local flora and fauna, being good stewards of our natural resources, and ways to create natural environments to nurture and attract wildlife in our school communities.

Backyard gardens are more cost effective than traditional lawn landscapes, use less water and require less maintenance, help beautify any environment under any conditions, use less chemicals, and take people of all ages back to the great outdoors. As they say, "If you build it, they will come...", a backyard school garden is sure to bring in many curious and beneficial creatures that students can enjoy seeing and studying. The creatures are sure to love it, too!