One of my favorite things about where I live is that there is all kinds of wildlife I can see right outside my window. I don’t need to go anywhere to experience nature. If you want to boost the wildlife population in your yard, here are some inexpensive ideas that provide a safe habitat for local creatures.
Bee house
Build a mason bee house to attract these pollinating bees to live and work in your yard. You can also buy a stylish pre-made mason bee house for about $20.
Bird house
Install a birdhouse to give birds a place to live in your yard even if you don’t have a lot of natural nesting sites. You can design and build your own birdhouse from a variety of scavenged materials including coffee cans and cowboy boots or order a wooden birdhouse kit for around $12.
Bird feeder
Birds will come from all around if you put out a bird feeder and keep it stocked with fresh birdseed. You can choose a simple tube-style feeder for as cheap as $5–$10, or get a rectangular feeder for a few dollars more. Sprinkle a bit of feed on the ground to help birds find it.
Hummingbird feeder
You can attract hummingbirds to your yard by putting out a nectar feeder, which will cost around $10. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, so choose a feeder that is red or one that has a clear glass that can be filled with red nectar. Change the nectar every few days to keep it fresh. You can buy this nectar in bulk (about 64 oz) for about $10. I mix my own nectar in small batches using a powdered formula. You can also keep unused portions of nectar fresh in your refrigerator until you need…
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