Why Landscape for Wildlife?

Zolna Russell, ASLA, Associate, Hord Coplan Macht, Baltimore, MD

Objectives: To give participants an understanding of the term “wildlife” and benefits of landscaping for wildlife–for themselves, their families, and their communities. To understand the difference between conservation and preservation and develop a sense of stewardship toward wildlife and a land conservation ethic. To understand the four essential elements of a wildlife habitat. To learn the compelling reasons to landscape such as economic, energy conservation, soil conservation, natural beauty, family nature center, natural insect control, ecosystem, lawn maintenance, water, wildlife watching, food production, pollution control, climate moderation, biodiversity, development issues and realistic expectations. Ms. Russell received a B.A. degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State and M.A. in Geography/Environmental Planning from Towson State. She has built a successful track record of diverse experience in the field of landscape architecture.

Ms. Russell believes a garden is a source of relaxation and pleasure – a place to reconnect with the basic element of earth. Examples of her theme gardens include: edible landscapes, herb gardens, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, healing gardens, perennial gardens, permaculture systems, native plant communities, and historic gardens. She says that plants which provide the basic food, water, and cover requirements for wildlife can be integrated into any planting design. Plantings which attract wildlife emphasize the use of native plants, berry producing plants, and evergreens. Landscaping for wildlife includes the integration of wildlife feeders and nesting structures which enrich the landscape with the sound, color, and movement of wildlife interacting in the landscape.

Principles and Concepts of Forest and Wildlife Management

Jonathan S. Kays, Principal Agent & Regional
Extension Specialist-Natural Resources,
Maryland Cooperative Extension, Keedysville, MD

Objectives: To provide participants with an understanding
of the concepts of succession and its effect on wildlife; featured species, shade tolerance, stratification, vertical structure (layering), arrangement and interspersion; plant function, carrying capacity, food chains and webs; niche, edge and contrast; population dynamics, predator-prey relationships, fragmentation and travel corridors; wildlife sign, basic forest and wildlife management practices used to manipulate habitat, species richness, morbidity and migration.

Mr. Kays received a B.S. degree in Natural Resources Management from Cook College at Rutgers University and M.S. in Forest Biology from Virginia Tech. He worked as a county forester with the Virginia Department of Forestry; research assistant at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY; high school earth science teacher in Montville, NJ; and forestry technician with the U.S. Forest Service in northern Idaho. He now works with county extension agents, public agencies, private forestry organizations, and national organizations to develop programs in forest stewardship; woodland owner volunteer programs; deer management; alternative income opportunities utilizing natural resources; utilizing biosolids to grow trees; and 4-H Natural Resources.

Thomas D. Patrick, President
WindStar Wildlife Institute, Fort Worth, TX

Objectives: To provide participants with an understanding that there is more to attracting wildlife than just providing food. They will learn the 16 components of a wildlife habitat–eight living and eight structural–and which ones attract specific wildlife species. They will be able to identify which they already have on their property and which they want to add.

Mr. Patrick is the founder and CEO of WindStar Wildlife Institute, an international, non-profit conservation organization, whose mission and solution to the loss of native plants and wildlife habitat due to commercial and residential development, focuses on effectively teaching wildlife habitat improvement through proven methods such as “neighbor helping neighbor” and “education through demonstration.” He grew up on a farm in Iowa and received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Drake University. He was a writer, photographer, and editor for the Des Moines Register; Farm Editor of the Fort Dodge Messenger; photographer for the Carroll Daily Times Herald, Associated Press, and United Press International; and editor of Big Farmer, Farm Profit, Archery World, Farmer’s Digest, Woman Golfer magazines; Director of Education and Communications for a large, national trade association in Washington, DC; editor of WindStar Wildlife Institute’s award winning web site, WindStar Wildlife Garden Weekly e-Magazine; American Wildlife Blog; and is a frequent speaker at forest and wildlife management and conservation conferences throughout the U.S.

Joe Barley, Owner,
Clear Ridge Nursery, Union Bridge, MD

Objectives: To provide participants with an understanding of the factors that should be considered when selecting trees, shrubs, ground covers, and vines that produce food, cover, and nesting areas for wildlife. They will learn the importance of size and other criteria such as deciduous or conifers, native and/or beneficial, full sun or shade, and wet soil or well drained. Participants will also learn the best ways to build back the understory, why wildlife prefer native plants, how to deal with “disturbed ” soils, and why it is important to learn the common and scientific names of plants.

Mr. Barley is a professional forester since 1977 and an arborist since 1984. He worked for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a project forester, advising on the management of private woodlots, then as a utility forester for Baltimore Gas & Electric doing substation landscaping, wetland and forest conservation projects. He started his own business–Clear Ridge Nursery–in 1994. The nursery specializes in the production of container established native trees and shrubs for conservation purposes.

Ray Bosmans, Horticulture Specialist,
Maryland Cooperative Extension, College Park, MD

Objectives: To provide participants with the knowledge to properly care for their plants. They will learn how to prune and when to cut trees and shrubs down. And, they will learn the answers to the following questions: Why should you leave dead trees and not remove them if they are not threatening to fall on the house or garage? When you finally have a good stand of mature trees, how do you know when and how many to thin? What is mast and why is it so important to wildlife? How do you mange trees and shrubs for wildlife?

Mr. Bosmans has been employed with the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension since 1973. Since the Home & Garden Center’s inception in 1989, he has served as a Regional Specialist operating out of the Center. The popular Center disseminates research-based horticultural information to homeowners via publications, the media, an 800 phone line and a web site. His Extension program area is horticulture, specifically, woody and herbaceous landscape plants, turf, and aquatic gardening.

Thomas G. Barnes , PhD , Extension Professor
& Wildlife Specialist, Department of Forestry,
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Objectives: To provide participants with the understanding of which species of wildlife they might expect in their habitat and what to do to attract more species. They will learn how the habitat needs of wildlife vary considerably from species to species, and season to season. For example, Whitetail deer are able to live in a wide range of habitat conditions. On the other hand, some species, such as Baltimore orioles, have very specific habitat requirements for some or all phases of their lives. They will learn about the limiting factors and why it is important to leave the “wild” in wildlife.

Dr. Barnes is an award-winning writer and photographer in addition to being Kentucky’s Extension Wildlife Specialist. He holds his doctorate in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University, a master of science from South Dakota State University, and a bachelor of arts, magna cum laude, from Huron College, South Dakota. Dr. Barnes’ area of expertise include urban wildlife conservation; biodiversity; ecosystems approach to natural resources management, and wildlife damage management. He is the author of the popular book, Gardening For the Birds.

Leslie E. Terry, former State Director,
Animal Damage Control Program,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Annapolis, MD

Objectives: Participants will learn why deer damage is no longer just a rural problem and what can be done to limit damage to trees and shrubs. They will learn how raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, hawks, and others can come in conflict with humans. Participants will learn how to handle overabundant numbers of wildlife, deter undesirable behavior, plus several ways to control access to property, and proven ways to keep them from eating favorite plants, shrubs, and trees. Plus, they will learn what kills millions of songbirds in each state every year.

Mr. Terry received a B.S. degree in General Biology from Eastern Oregon College and B.S. degree in Wildlife Management from Oregon State University. He has more than 29 years experience in the nuisance wildlife control field. Mr. Terry received training at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Amherst, MA; and Elkins, WV, assisting landowners with nuisance wildlife problems such as pine voles, blackbirds, woodchuck, bats, etc. Mr. Terry is responsible for the Federal wildlife damage control program in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia and provides technical assistance to residents who have problems with nuisance wildlife. He is a Certified Public Agency Applicator in Maryland in Category 7, for industrial, instructional, structural, and health related, birds and rodents.

What Biodiversity Means To People and Their Communities

Edith R. Thompson, former Coordinator,
Wild Acres Program, MD Department of
Natural Resources, Annapolis, MD

Objectives: Participants will learn about the benefits and challenges of landscaping for wildlife in the urban residential setting. They will learn how to develop an ecological perspective toward wildlife habitat enhancement. And, they will discover how backyard habitats can make an environmental difference using specific examples from people in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wild Acres Program.

Ms. Thompson received her B.S. degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Maryland. She started her career as a state urban wildlife biologist. She co-created and coordinated “Natural Design in Development,” a series of conferences and workshops to teach biologists, foresters, land planners, engineers, and other related professionals to work together to create environmentally sensitive residential development designs. Also, she worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office to design and implement regional workshops to help teachers create and use schoolyard wildlife habitats. Ms. Thompson created and coordinated Maryland’s Wild Acres Program and became the State Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator. She received the “Governors Salute to Excellence” honor in 1991 and “Distinguished Conservationist” award in 1993 from the National Institute for Urban Wildlife.

Timothy C. Flanigan
Nature Exposure, Bedford, PA

Objectives: Participants will learn how good techniques for viewing wildlife can also work well for photographing wildlife. These include: looking in the right place; looking at the right time; developing wildlife viewing skills and techniques; and understanding the species and its habits. They will learn how to select the proper equipment (binoculars, field guides, cameras, lenses, and film); how to select a subject; how to stalk wildlife effectively; how to decide on a perspective and isolate the subject; how to read the lighting; how to compose the photograph; how to seek the decisive moment; and how to decide what to do with the prize-winning photographs.

Mr. Flanigan is an award-winning freelance outdoor writer/photographer and public speaker and has 25 years of experience as a Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer. His photography and writing credits include such publications as: Field & Stream, Turkey Call, Pennsylvania Wildlife, Keystone Conservationist, Grouse Point Almanac, Deer and Deer Hunting, Pennsylvania Game News, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan Sportsman, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York Outdoor Times, Pennsylvania Game and Fish, Pennsylvania Angler, American Bee Journal, Bird Watcher’s Digest, as well as calendars, travel brochures, and outdoor books. He has written and co-produced hunting and shooting safety videos and public service announcements.

How To Build Backyard Ponds, Bogs & Other Water Features

Howard R. Crum, Vice President
KOI Unlimited, Frederick, MD

Objectives: Participants will learn how a water feature such as a pond or wetland (bog) in a backyard can be an instant focal point for wildlife. They will learn how to select a site, choose a pond style, and excavate. Also they will become familiar with lining options, installation, edging ideas, pumps, fountains, waterfalls, fish and scavengers, filters, baskets, and types of aquatic plants to use. They will learn how to create a bog for pond overflow, do maintenance, learn safety tips and explore other water features that are less costly and take less time to establish.

Mr. Crum graduated from Western Maryland College, majoring in philosophy and history. He managed sales, production, fulfillment, advertising, and overall operations at Lilypons during his 17-year tenure. He is on the board of directors of the Maryland Aquaculture Association and has been on the steering committee of the Aquaculture Commission of Maryland. Mr. Crum lectures frequently to garden clubs, colleges and often is the featured public speaker at large public gatherings. He has provided consulting to Time Warner, Ortho Press, The Baltimore Sun, Meredith Corporation, Hearst Publications, The Washington Post, and other publishers. Plus, he has written numerous articles and books on water gardening and has appeared on MTV, Good Morning America, PBS, and other television programs.

Connie Toops, Freelance Photojournalist, Marshall, NC

Objectives: Participants will learn why nearly every description of bluebirds includes the words “gentle,” “sweet,” or “delightful.” They will discover what it is that invokes such a feeling of love from human admirers. And, they will learn the natural history of these rare and magical birds, as well as the human champions whose love for the bluebird have helped it survive. Participants will find out how others like themselves, all across the country are establishing trails for nesting boxes and are having terrific success at boosting bluebird populations.

Ms. Toops is an accomplished nature writer and photographer. Since 1978 her work has appeared in more than two dozen outdoor, travel and conservation magazines, and has been featured by more than a dozen major book publishers. Her own titles include: Great Smoky Mountains, Everglades, National Seashores, Bluebirds Forever, The Enchanting Owl, Hummingbirds: Jewels in Flight, Birds of South Florida, The Alligator, Crater Lake Trails, and the Let’s Explore series of activity books for children. Her photographs have appeared in calendars including Audubon, Sierra Club, and her own Hummingbird and Bluebird calendars. She previously worked for the National Park Service at Colonial, Rocky Mountain, Shenandoah, Everglades, and Crater Lake national parks and currently is a Contributing Editor for Birder’s World magazine.

Neil Diboll, Consulting Ecologist & CEO, Prairie Nursery, Westfield, WI

Objectives: Participants will learn the benefits of a wildflower meadow for butterflies and birds in a wildlife habitat, how to choose a site, determine which wildflowers and native grasses to buy, clear the ground, prepare the seedbed, sow the seed, determine how the meadow will look the first year, how it will look the second year and beyond, and what maintenance is required.

Mr. Diboll received his degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1978. He has since worked for the U.S. Park Service in Virginia, the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado, and the University of Wisconsin. In 1982 he began his involvement with Prairie Nursery, producing native plants and seeds, and designing native landscapes. He has since devoted his efforts to championing the use of prairie plants, as well as native trees, shrubs and wetland plants, in contemporary American landscapes. Mr. Diboll has been a speaker at: Kew Gardens, London, England; Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University; New York Botanic Garden; Brooklyn Botanic Garden; Chicago Botanic Garden; U.S. National Arboretum; Longwood Gardens; Kansas City Botanical Garden; Morris Arboretum, Pennsylvania; WindStar Wildlife Institute; American Horticultural Society; and National Wildlife Federation.

Paulette Enfante, Master Wildlife Habitat Naturalist, WindStar Wildlife Institute, Frederick, MD

Objectives: To provide participants with the information they need to increase the number of birds they now feed. They will learn how bird feeding probably got started and how it has changed over the years. And, they will learn about feeder birds’ habits, songs, and habitat needs. Participants also will learn how the feeder can become an outdoor classroom where family members can learn about nature, ecology, predation, natural selection, territorial phenomena, camouflage, coloration, pecking orders, and about those pesky squirrels and raccoons. Also, they will discover the favorite foods of different bird species and how to build feeders.

Ms. Enfante was selected and trained as a Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat Naturalist in 1997. She is an accomplished speaker for the Master Naturalist program and has made numerous presentations at flower and garden shows, to garden clubs and other groups. In addition, she has written articles on enhancing wildlife habitat for employee newsletters, lead discussions on wildlife and wildlife habitat at brown bag lunches, helped co-workers select native plants for their yards, promoted the use of beneficial insects to control garden pests, and counseled neighbors on damage to wildlife caused by cats. She has enhanced her own wildlife habitat by installing several ponds, feeding stations, nesting boxes, native plants and wildflower gardens.

Thomas D. Patrick, President, WindStar Wildlife Institute, Fort Worth, TX

Objectives: Participants will learn how to create a wildlife habitat plan for their property that they can follow for years to come. They will determine what they want to accomplish in their habitat, plus do an inventory of habitat elements, components, and species of wildlife they currently have. Participants will learn how to create a rough map of their property which contains these items and convert it to a to-scale map. Next they will decide which new components they want to add and draw these on their map, sketch out an action plan with dates and budget, and implement their plan.

Mr. Patrick is the founder and CEO of WindStar Wildlife Institute, an international, non-profit conservation organization, whose mission and solution to the loss of native plants and wildlife habitat due to commercial and residential development, focuses on effectively teaching wildlife habitat improvement through proven methods such as “neighbor helping neighbor” and “education through demonstration.” He grew up on a farm in Iowa and received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Drake University. He was a writer, photographer, and editor for the Des Moines Register; Farm Editor of the Fort Dodge Messenger; photographer for the Carroll Daily Times Herald, Associated Press, and United Press International; and editor of Big Farmer, Farm Profit, Archery World, Farmer’s Digest, Woman Golfer magazines; Director of Education and Communications for a large, national trade association in Washington, DC; editor of WindStar Wildlife Institute’s award winning web site, WindStar Wildlife Garden Weekly e-Magazine; American Wildlife Blog; and is a frequent speaker at forest and wildlife management and conservation conferences throughout the U.S.