Let us develop your wildlife habitat

Herbaceous Clearings* - Our Specialty
* One of the best wildlife habitat enhancements within the woodland is the establishment of openings with herbaceous growth - nonwoody plants that usually die back each fall. These include grasses and broad-leaved herbaceous plants including wild flowers and "weeds". These naturally occurring herbaceous plants are a valuable source of food and cover for wildlife. Herbaceous clearings are especially valuable where mature timber has largely eliminated this type of cover. The openings add a diversity of plants that meet the needs of wildlife that otherwise may not be available. Deer often use herbaceous plants such as grasses or clovers for food. Rabbits use these for food and nesting. Turkeys, quail and grouse utilize herbaceous openings, or nearby edges for nesting, brood rearing, and feeding. These zones attract an abundance of insects, an important food item for young game birds who, unlike the adults, require a ready source of protein in their diet. Brush piles, or tangles on the edges of such clearings, are incorporated to provide protection as the birds move back and forth between the clearing and the surrounding forested area.

Other Considerations

Developing a woodlot for wildlife development is sometimes at odds with optimum management for timber production. Wildlife development practices will encourage or create dead 'snags' for bird and animal nesting sites and food from insects that result as the snag decays. Often grape vines are allowed to exist, at the detriment to tree growth, as an excellent source of food.

Trees providing 'mast', such as acorns, are commonly not removed even if they are not ideally formed for lumber production. If desired, tree tops from thinning or tree harvesting operations can be left unlimbed to provide shelter for birds or small mammals.