Urban spaces

Urban spaces, including backyards, can provide habitat for plants and animals. Watershed residents do many things to create or improve habitat in their own backyards.

Within urban and highly altered or disturbed areas, people can expect to see generalist species such as blue jays, northern cardinals, gray squirrels, and raccoons. These species can tolerate and even thrive within these areas. 

Although species at risk seldom are found in urban backyards, they can sometimes be found in these areas.

Backyards and other public spaces, such as schoolyards and parks, and the property around local businesses and factories, can be managed to improve habitat for native plants and animals.

Urban space facts

• Size: About 6% of the watershed is urban space, with many backyards, parks and other green spaces
• Species at risk: butternut, common hop tree, Kentucky coffee tree, eastern prickly pear cactus, monarch butterfly

What you can do in your own backyard

• Plant a variety of plant species, both short and tall.
• Cut down or clear out plant growth in your garden in the spring, not fall. Plant material provides food and shelter for a variety of small animals during the winter months.
• Learn about the native and non-native plants in your yard and avoid planting invasive plants such as goutweed, periwinkle and phragmites that may spread into a natural area.
• Plant native species but don't dig them out of a naturalized area to plant in your backyard. Instead buy them from a reputable nursery.
• Research native plants and shrubs for pollinators, including species that don't require a lot of water. You can also visit this page for some tree care tips and information on how to establish pollinator gardens in larger areas.
• Attend a native garden tour and visit iNaturalist to learn about the native plants and animals in your area.