Want to attract more birds and butterflies to your yard?
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Want to attract more birds and butterflies to your yard?
Want to attract more birds and butterflies to your yard?
In this course, you'll learn the secrets to creating a garden, patio, balcony, or backyard that welcomes birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. And the best part? These secrets involve small, practical changes that you can make even if you're really busy or on a budget, or never gardened before in your life.
And, by making small changes, you'll not only do something nice for the environment, you might also:
*Increase vegetable and fruit yields in your garden*Notice fewer pests attacking your plants*Save money by eliminating or reducing pesticide use*Reduce the number of mosquitoes who call your yard their home
Best of all, you'll play an active part in helping struggling pollinator and songbird populations. And, not only will you help animals that share your backyard, you'll also help them worldwide. Way to go you.
That's because a portion of every purchase is donated to the Xerces Society, a non-profit organization that protects invertebrates, including butterflies, bees, and many other beneficial insects.
But be aware, this is a course where you not only learn. . .you act. Assignments, worksheets, and websites will all help you garden in a way that achieves results.
Here's what students are saying:
"Linda has done a great job of explaining in simple steps how to bring more beneficial insects, birds and butterflies etc into your garden making it a wonderful place to be. Her easy action steps will change the landscape of your garden quickly but with improvements you will benefit from for years to come." -Jackie Marie Beyer from The Organic Gardener Podcast"Easy to listen to, good visuals, and great intro to the ideas of making Earth Friendly spaces in your backyard. I'm starting from zero knowledge in this area and she's bringing me up to speed quickly which is nice. Excited to get some bees and butterflies coming to my yard. " -La Stengele
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Learning objectives
- Create a backyard that will attract birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
- Understand the important relationships between plants and animals, and how this relationship can help you create a thriving backyard full of birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
- Identify exactly which flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants will attract and support birds and butterflies.
- Pick from a variety of simple, practical projects that will help create a thriving, healthy backyard ecosystem.
- Take small steps toward solving larger environmental problems
- Create a backyard that will attract birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
- Understand the important relationships between plants and animals, and how this relationship can help you create a thriving backyard full of birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
- Identify exactly which flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants will attract and support birds and butterflies.
- Pick from a variety of simple, practical projects that will help create a thriving, healthy backyard ecosystem.
- Take small steps toward solving larger environmental problems
Syllabus
Course Introduction
Why exactly do you WANT birds and butterflies in your backyard? That's the question I answer in this lesson, plus I give you a quick overview of the entire course.
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Syllabus
Why exactly do you WANT birds and butterflies in your backyard? That's the question I answer in this lesson, plus I give you a quick overview of the entire course.
Understanding what "Earth Friendly" means is really important, because it's the underlying philosophy for the whole course! So in this lesson, I (briefly) explain what I mean when I say it, and, just as importantly, what I DON'T mean.
When you hear the term "wildlife habitat" do you think bears and wolves, and the deep dark woods? Or are you not sure what to think? In this lesson, you'll learn why a wildlife habitat is something you definitely want in your backyard (minus the wolves and bears, of course).
Birds and butterflies make a wonderful addition to any backyard, but they aren't the only animals you should try to attract. In this lesson, you'll learn about some OTHER animals you might want to consider inviting along with all those birds and butterflies.
Want to get the most out of this course? Then don't skip this lecture, because I give you some SUPER important advice that will jump start your success. Oh, and make sure to check the resource section for 2 worksheets that we'll be using in the rest of the course.
Plants play a very, very important role in your backyard! They provide food, shelter, and a place for animals to raise their young. And native plants are especially good at providing all these things! In this lesson, I define what a native plant is, and how to pick ones that will attract birds and butterflies to your backyard.
Flowers provide a valuable food source for many butterflies, bees, and other pollinators! But planting one or two just isn't enough. In this lesson, I explain the kinds of flower to plant to really attract those butterflies (and bees and other beneficial animals) to your backyard.
Just like you, the birds, butterflies and other animals in your backyard need to eat. In this lesson, you'll learn how to find and provide the kind of food your backyard animals like best!
Water is one of the most essential (and the easiest) elements you can add to your backyard! Whether its a birdbath or bugwaterer (yes, that's a real thing), providing water attracts a wide variety of beneficial animals!
Just like us, the animals that share our backyards need a place to rest, raise their young, and escape from danger. In this lecture, I talk about different kinds of shelters you can put in your yard that will specifically attract birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
Chemical control can be a touchy, polarizing subject, which is why I try to give a balanced view in this lesson. And, I offer alternatives that are much more friendly to your backyard residents.
Facing some road blocks? Not sure how to overcome budget, time, or other constraints? I got you covered!
No gardening experience? No problem! Here are my suggestions for creating a bird & butterfly filled backyard, even if you have no luck with plants.
No backyard? It's all good! Even apartment dwellers can create earth friendly spaces! In this lecture I give you some suggestions for utilizing balconies, patios, rooftops, and other green spaces.
Don't have a minute to spare? Check out my time conscious suggestions that will help you create a more earth friendly backyard, even when time is limited.
Don't have $1000s (or even $10s) to spend on your backyard? Check out my suggestions for a bird & butterfly filled backyard on a budget.
Middle of winter? Believe it or not, you might just be in the perfect season to start creating a bird & butterfly filled backyard!
Good to know
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Activities
Review plant biology
Show steps
Brush up on your understanding of plant biology to build a stronger foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Plant Biology
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbook from previous courses in plant biology.
-
Complete practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding.
-
Seek additional resources like online articles or videos to reinforce your knowledge.
Learn about native plants
Show steps
Explore online resources or attend workshops to gain a deeper understanding of native plants and their benefits.
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials or workshops on native plants in your region.
-
Follow the instructions provided in the tutorials or attend the workshops actively.
-
Take notes or create a summary of the key points covered.
Create a backyard wildlife habitat plan
Show steps
Design a plan for your backyard that incorporates the principles of creating a welcoming habitat for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
Show steps
-
Research different types of native plants and their benefits for wildlife.
-
Identify areas in your backyard where you can add plants or other features to enhance the habitat.
-
Sketch a layout of your planned backyard wildlife habitat, including the location of plants, water features, and shelters.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on building birdhouses
Show steps
Gain practical skills in building birdhouses to provide shelter for birds in your backyard.
Browse courses on
Woodworking
Show steps
-
Find and register for a workshop on building birdhouses.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the construction process.
-
Follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided by the workshop leader.
Write a blog post or article about the importance of native plants
Show steps
Share your knowledge about the benefits of native plants and how to incorporate them into your backyard through a written piece.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific aspect of native plants to focus on, such as their ecological benefits or aesthetic value.
-
Research and gather information from credible sources to support your writing.
-
Write a draft of your blog post or article, ensuring clarity and engaging language.
-
Proofread and edit your work carefully for accuracy and flow.
Volunteer at a local nature center or wildlife sanctuary
Show steps
Contribute to the preservation of wildlife habitats and connect with like-minded individuals in a hands-on setting.
Browse courses on
Wildlife Conservation
Show steps
-
Identify local nature centers or wildlife sanctuaries that offer volunteer opportunities.
-
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer positions that align with your interests.
-
Attend volunteer training and orientation sessions to learn about the organization's mission and safety protocols.
-
Participate in volunteer activities such as habitat restoration, animal care, or educational programs.
Participate in a backyard wildlife habitat design competition
Show steps
Showcase your creativity and knowledge by participating in a competition that recognizes the best backyard wildlife habitats.
Browse courses on
Landscape Design
Show steps
-
Research different backyard wildlife habitat design competitions and select one to participate in.
-
Carefully plan and design your backyard wildlife habitat, considering the principles discussed in the course.
-
Submit your design to the competition, including detailed documentation and photographs.
Share your knowledge by mentoring someone interested in wildlife gardening
Show steps
Help others learn about the principles of wildlife gardening and support their efforts in creating a welcoming backyard habitat.
Show steps
-
Identify someone who is interested in learning about wildlife gardening.
-
Offer your guidance and share your knowledge on topics such as native plants, wildlife habitat design, and sustainable gardening practices.
-
Provide encouragement and support as your mentee implements their own wildlife gardening projects.
Review plant biology
Show steps
Brush up on your understanding of plant biology to build a stronger foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Plant Biology
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbook from previous courses in plant biology.
- Complete practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding.
- Seek additional resources like online articles or videos to reinforce your knowledge.
Learn about native plants
Show steps
Explore online resources or attend workshops to gain a deeper understanding of native plants and their benefits.
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials or workshops on native plants in your region.
- Follow the instructions provided in the tutorials or attend the workshops actively.
- Take notes or create a summary of the key points covered.
Create a backyard wildlife habitat plan
Show steps
Design a plan for your backyard that incorporates the principles of creating a welcoming habitat for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial animals.
Show steps
- Research different types of native plants and their benefits for wildlife.
- Identify areas in your backyard where you can add plants or other features to enhance the habitat.
- Sketch a layout of your planned backyard wildlife habitat, including the location of plants, water features, and shelters.
Attend a workshop on building birdhouses
Show steps
Gain practical skills in building birdhouses to provide shelter for birds in your backyard.
Browse courses on
Woodworking
Show steps
- Find and register for a workshop on building birdhouses.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in the construction process.
- Follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided by the workshop leader.
Write a blog post or article about the importance of native plants
Show steps
Share your knowledge about the benefits of native plants and how to incorporate them into your backyard through a written piece.
Show steps
- Choose a specific aspect of native plants to focus on, such as their ecological benefits or aesthetic value.
- Research and gather information from credible sources to support your writing.
- Write a draft of your blog post or article, ensuring clarity and engaging language.
- Proofread and edit your work carefully for accuracy and flow.
Volunteer at a local nature center or wildlife sanctuary
Show steps
Contribute to the preservation of wildlife habitats and connect with like-minded individuals in a hands-on setting.
Browse courses on
Wildlife Conservation
Show steps
- Identify local nature centers or wildlife sanctuaries that offer volunteer opportunities.
- Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer positions that align with your interests.
- Attend volunteer training and orientation sessions to learn about the organization's mission and safety protocols.
- Participate in volunteer activities such as habitat restoration, animal care, or educational programs.
Participate in a backyard wildlife habitat design competition
Show steps
Showcase your creativity and knowledge by participating in a competition that recognizes the best backyard wildlife habitats.
Browse courses on
Landscape Design
Show steps
- Research different backyard wildlife habitat design competitions and select one to participate in.
- Carefully plan and design your backyard wildlife habitat, considering the principles discussed in the course.
- Submit your design to the competition, including detailed documentation and photographs.
Share your knowledge by mentoring someone interested in wildlife gardening
Show steps
Help others learn about the principles of wildlife gardening and support their efforts in creating a welcoming backyard habitat.
Show steps
- Identify someone who is interested in learning about wildlife gardening.
- Offer your guidance and share your knowledge on topics such as native plants, wildlife habitat design, and sustainable gardening practices.
- Provide encouragement and support as your mentee implements their own wildlife gardening projects.
Career center
Urban Planner
Wildlife Biologist
Ecologist
Science Teacher
Environmental Educator
Zoologist
Naturalist
Horticulturist
Landscaper
Environmental Consultant
Park Ranger
Conservation Scientist
Landscape Architect
Arborist
Ornithologist
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