Wildlife Habitat Program

Nature, in its infinite beauty and complexity, sustains all life.

Making garden plant choices that provide wildlife habitat helps our native and migratory wildlife, and provides additional garden enjoyment!

Attracting birds, butterflies, dragonflies, honeybees, and other wildlife adds color, movement, and the wonderful soft hum of happy honeybees and hummingbird wings that makes our gardens an even more inviting place to stop, relax, and connect with nature.

Recipe For a Wildlife Garden:  A few choice plants, a bit of water, and voila! Wildlife will come!

Plants are nature’s birdfeeders. They provide nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds, seeds and fruit, and insects and caterpillars for baby birds. Leaf mulch attracts insect eating birds. Thorny plants like climbing roses provide safe nesting for birds. Plants with berries and other fruit are beautiful to look at as well!

Water will attract resident and migratory birds to drink and bathe. The relaxing sound of water flowing (add a water pump) makes any garden a more restful sanctuary.

Did you know that some endangered species of San Francisco butterflies only have one larval plant that they use to reproduce? You can help save these endangered species from extinction by planting these plants!

A list of plants that provide great wildlife habitat value is provided here!

Other Resources