Snips and Snags by Beverly J. Letchworth illustrated by David Besenger Waste not what wildlife wants–or needs! Dead trees, rotting logs, brush and rocks that you find in forests, meadows and marshes seem like nature’s scrap heap. In nature, however, nothing is ever wasted. Wildlife happily use these scraps for homes and nests and places to feed. A rabbit lives in a pile of brush, while a mouse or snake may den in the crannies offered by a mound of rocks. A lizard finds shelter beneath a log. If you’d like to attract more wildlife, just add more snips and snags to your yard. Create safe havens, and wildlife will find and use them. For example, a dead tree in your backyard, if it doesn’t pose any danger, is better left in place. Wildlife love snags (standing dead trees). Why are snags such favorite places? Snags provide wildlife food, shelter and places to raise their young. Many insects lay their eggs beneath the bark, and the larvae feed on the soft wood underneath. Birds flock to snag trees to feed on the larvae. Eventually, with the added work of bacteria and fungi, a tree decays, and the bark loosens and falls away. That makes it easier for birds and mammals to dig out dens for themselves in the rotting wood. Woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, owls and other birds nest in snags. Squirrels, raccoons, opossums and flying squirrels live there, too. Snag trees are like high-rise apartment buildings for wildlife. If your neighbors complain about a dead tree in your yard, or if the tree looks like it may fall and destroy something, then cut it down. But leave it, or a part of it, lying on the ground, maybe in the back of your yard, where it’s out of the way and not so noticeable. The rotting tree will still attract insects, shrews and salamanders. If you cut up a tree, don’t throw the pieces away. Make a log pile with them. Not a high-rise apartment this time, but a log cabin. Crisscross the logs and branches loosely on top of each other, making a pile that will shelter and protect any small creature that finds it. Even butterflies will take refuge in a logpile’s cracks and crevices as they wait out the winter. Branches that fall in a rainstorm or are blown down by high winds can be used to start a brush pile. Let’s call it a hut. Again, stack the branches loosely to make about a 6-by-6 foot pile, and about three or four feet tall. Birds, rabbits and other small mammals will find safety in these prickly huts. How about building a miniature stone castle? Rock piles also give wildlife places to hide and nest. Don’t stack the rocks too tightly or there will be no nooks and crannies for creatures to live in. Add more decorations to your dwellings. After your dad or mom cuts the grass, ask for the lawn clippings to throw onto log piles and brush piles. You can toss in fallen leaves and leftover mulch, too. Insects, lizards, toads and other small creatures will burrow inside. Although vegetation can’t be considered nature’s scraps, any flowers, ferns, weeds, bushes and hedges in your yard provide natural cover and protection for wildlife. Some plants produce seeds, fruits and nuts for wildlife to eat. They are the restaurants in your community. Add more food, if you want (seeds and table scraps), and water in a birdbath or ground saucer. So, what have you done by setting up snips and snags in your yard? You have begun to create a habitat–a place that provides the things wildlife need to exist and reproduce.

Click to Enlarge   Fun with Snips and Snags 1. Brush and rocks were used to create this butterfly with 4-foot wings. The "insect" might shelter a variety of small creatures. You could add a brushpile flower for this butterfly to visit. Click to Enlarge 2. Rock and driftwood were assembled into this piece of natural modern art. The creation also serves as a "critter condo." Sunbathing skinks will love the rock ledges, and toads will hide in its shady interior spaces. Click to Enlarge 3. Collect lawn clippings and leaves, and let your imagination run free! Not only are environmental sculptures fun to make, but they also provide habitat for soil-dwelling animals. Eventually, your natural artwork will decompose into nutrients that improve the soil. Click to Enlarge

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