Create a Wildlife Refuge in Your Backyard for Less than $40

One aspect I truly cherish about my home is the diverse wildlife I can observe from my window. There’s no need to venture far to enjoy the beauty of nature. If you wish to enhance your yard’s wildlife population, here are some cost-effective strategies to create a welcoming environment for local animals.

Mason Bee Hotel

Create a mason bee house to invite these crucial pollinators into your garden. Alternatively, you can purchase a chic pre-constructed mason bee house for around $20.

Bird Shelter

Adding a birdhouse can provide birds with a reliable home, especially if natural nesting sites are scarce. You can craft a DIY birdhouse from repurposed items like coffee cans and old boots or buy a wooden birdhouse kit for about $12.

Feeder for Birds

If you want a lively scene with birds flocking to your yard, install a bird feeder filled with fresh birdseed. Simple tube feeders are available for $5-$10, while larger rectangular feeders come at a slightly higher price. Consider sprinkling seed on the ground to attract more birds.

Hummingbird Nectar Feeder

To draw hummingbirds to your garden, set up a nectar feeder costing around $10. These birds are particularly attracted to red, so select a red feeder or one with a transparent section that can hold red nectar. Ensure to refresh the nectar every few days to keep it appealing. You can purchase nectar in bulk (approximately 64 oz) for about $10 or create your own using powdered formulas. Unused nectar can be stored in the fridge for future use.

Oriole Nectar Feeder

To attract striking orange and black orioles, use a nectar or jelly feeder priced around $10 that incorporates the color orange.

Birdbath

A birdbath provides birds with a refreshing place to drink and bathe. Expect to pay between $10 and $40 based on its size. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your birdbath, change the water weekly or apply a bird-safe bacterial insecticide.

Suet Feeder

Woodpeckers and other birds that consume insects will appreciate a suet feeder, which can be set up for about $10. You can place a suet cake or ball inside a small metal cage or netted bag to allow easy access for the birds.

Bat Habitat

I find delight in watching bats at dusk as they consume mosquitoes and other insects. To attract them, consider installing bat houses. You can build your own following plans or buy a ready-made bat house for about $30.

Squirrel Feeding Station

While some may view squirrels as nuisances raiding bird feeders, others enjoy their antics. For those who appreciate these creatures, setting up a squirrel feeder costing around $25 can provide entertainment, especially with corn on the cob.

Plants for Butterflies

Certain plants can bring butterflies into your yard. A butterfly bush is economical to grow from seeds (about $5 for a pack of 500) and produces fragrant blooms that attract butterflies for nectar. Milkweed is essential for Monarch butterflies as it serves as their caterpillar’s primary food source.

Indigenous Prairie Flora

Native prairie plants are low-maintenance, requiring less water and drawing various birds and insects. Establishing prairie plants in your yard is enjoyable and environmentally friendly. You can grow these plants from seeds or buy established ones for $5-$10 that are ready for planting. Options include numerous species of ferns, grasses, and flowers. (See also: 13 Simple Gardening Skills Anyone Can Learn)

Uncut Area for Wildlife

Leaving a section of your yard unmowed can create a safe haven for wildlife. By removing unwanted weeds with a hoe, you can cultivate a patch of tall grasses that serves as shelter and a natural source of nesting materials, all at no cost.