From birds at the feeder to pollinators in the garden, wildlife is closer to home than many people realize.
At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, our Know Your Neighbors exhibit in the Evolving Life Wing explores the animals that share habitats right outside our doors and offers a chance to learn more about the species living alongside us. Getting to know those wild neighbors is a great first step toward supporting them in your own neighborhood.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can help wildlife, your own backyard is a great place to start. With a few simple changes, you can create a space that provides food, water, and shelter for local animals while reducing common risks. Whether you have a large yard or a small outdoor space, these small steps can make a meaningful difference for the wildlife around you.
As we approach mid-spring, planting native species is the easiest way to create a natural habitat that is safe and appealing for local wildlife. By choosing plant varieties that the insects and animals are familiar with, you're providing the food and shelter that they need to survive. These native plants also survive better in harsher conditions because they’re made for this climate zone and help prevent the spread of invasive species that can take over.
Replacing traditional turf grass with groundcovers that require low maintenance on your part can provide immediate benefits to pollinators. For areas with high foot traffic, clover lawns are a common choice. They resist common lawn pests and make a great home for pollinators, while also requiring minimal mowing. In those places with even less shade, wild ginger needs little sunlight to thrive. Plus, its large, heart-shaped leaves are deer-resistant and naturally suppress weeds.
Providing food and water sources creates a welcoming environment for local insects, pollinators, and animals in your neighborhood. Water sources can range from small saucers or dishes filled with water to larger bird baths or bonds with running water. Larger water features will attract larger creatures. For example, a shallow saucer filled with water offers a place for bees and insects to stop for a quick rest, but a bird bath with moving water will entice birds to land for a sip and a quick bath.
While the best way to offer food is through native plant species that provide natural seeds, berries, and nectar, feeders are an acceptable solution to supplement some animals’ diets—mainly birds. Bird feeders can be helpful during winter when natural food sources are low; however, it’s important to use them responsibly. Clean bird feeders weekly and keep them far enough from windows to avoid collisions but high enough that small mammals can’t reach it from the ground.
But not all food sources are beneficial; unsecured trash bins can put wildlife at risk, causing injuries and illness. Small mammals might become trapped in narrow used food containers. At times, they’ll also mistake non-edible items like plastic wrap as food, which can cause blockages or even poisoning. Access to open trash can disrupt the animals’ natural behaviors as well. Over time, animals may begin to rely on human food waste, reducing their ability to forage or hunt and ultimately their ability to survive.
Along with unsecured trash bins, pesticides and insecticides pose serious risks to wildlife. They can be highly toxic to not only smaller creatures like bees or butterflies, but also birds, smaller mammals, and even pets who might ingest them. Instead, focus on making your backyard seem less interesting to pests or block them with barriers. This can include choosing pest-resistant plant species, growing specific plants together to ward off certain insects, or simply pulling weeds directly from the ground instead of spraying them with chemicals.
Keeping wildlife safe also means managing your pets. Even the presence of a pet can disturb wildlife, sometimes leading birds to leave their nests or small mammals to neglect their young. In addition, domestic animals don’t naturally belong in these ecosystems; even well-fed cats may still chase and catch prey on instinct. Keeping dogs on leashes and cats in enclosed “catios” helps protect wildlife while keeping your pets safe too.
Beyond reducing risks, you can also actively support wildlife by providing safe places for them to rest and nest. Birds will often search for hollows in old or dead trees, so if possible, leaving these trees provides them with homes. If the trees need to be removed, bird houses offer great solutions in their places. They create a safe, dry place for them to rest and raise their young. However, be sure to clean out any old nesting material once a year and replace it with fresh options.
Bat houses offer similar benefits. While they are sometimes misunderstood, bats play an important role in controlling insect populations. A single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in an hour, making them a valuable addition to your backyard ecosystem. If you choose to install a bird or bat house, be sure to follow best practices for placement, dimensions, or other necessary additions.
Creating a wildlife-friendly backyard doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a few thoughtful choices. Small actions can have a lasting impact, turning your yard into a place where wildlife can thrive. Remember, although you’re creating an environment for wildlife to thrive, these are wild animals that you should not interact with freely.
To learn more about the local Ohio wildlife and experience some up close, you can visit the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank. None of the animals in Perkins Wildlife Center can be released successfully in the wild, and they allow visitors to connect with local wildlife in a safe way. This immersive outdoor gallery brings you closer to a wide variety of native Ohio plants and animals than ever before.
