Wildlife
Support the local wildlife, from Mt. Hood to your own backyard.
Wildlife in Our County
Provide some space for wildlife and you will be rewarded with hours of viewing pleasure. As natural areas are built over, wildlife is often forced away. You can help by giving them a place to live.
Offering Birds a Home
Many birds build their nests in holes in trees, but because of habitat loss, there are not as many places for them to nest. That is why putting up nest boxes is a great way to help these birds.
Lots of different birds will use nest boxes, from bluebirds to owls. Each type of bird may need a different kind of box, so they can be made or bought to fit their needs.
You can buy nest boxes or build your own—there are lots of plans to help you do it. No matter what, it’s important to put the box in the right place for the type of bird you want to attract. You should also clean out the box every year after the birds are done nesting.
Sometimes nest boxes can attract birds you do not want, like European Starlings or House Sparrows, which are not native. If that happens, you can remove their nests or make the box less appealing to them.
A great place to learn more is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch program:
https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses
Creating Wildlife Habitat
From the smallest insects to the majestic elk, wildlife needs food, water, shelter, and areas to nest. Here are a few suggestions to improve habitat on a city lot or a rural property:
Plant a mix of different types and sizes of trees and shrubs.
Plant hedgerows and fence rows with evergreens and fruit-bearing shrubs.
Use native flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide the best food for local wildlife.
Plan to have plants flowering from early spring to late fall.
Leave old tree snags and fallen wood for animals to perch, hide, and nest.
Plant grains or grasses with big seeds to feed wildlife.
Provide birdbaths or guzzlers for clean and easy access to water. Water is important for wildlife.
Make fences safe for animals by building or modifying them to be wildlife-friendly.
Create safe pathways for wildlife by planting trees and shrubs along streams and connecting them to your neighbors’ streamside areas.
Control invasive weeds that harm habitats and may provide little to no food value for wildlife.
Our Programs:
How We Can Help
We invite you to discover how we can help you find the information you need to manage your farm. Visit the FAQ page if you are not finding what you need below.
Learn how to reach the goals for your rural property while being the best land steward you can be.
Learn how to reach the goals for your urban property while being the best land steward you can be.
Streams and the areas around them need extra care. We can help you keep the water clean and cool.
We work with landowners to protect Oregon white oak trees. Learn how we can help restore oak savannahs, woodlands, and the homes they provide for wildlife.
Online Tools
“
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished
—Lao Tzu