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INVENTORYING YOUR WILDLIFE HABITAT SITE

Complete the following inventory of your habitat site to build a basic understanding of your site. The first step in creating your wildlife habitat site is to inventory what resources already exist. Download PDF version.

Here are some tools to collect in preparation for your inventory:

box Base map(s) of the site
box Tape measures
box Clip boards
box Paper
box Pencils
box String
box Collecting containers
box Thermometers
box Field guides and keys

GEOLOGY AND SOILS

  • Describe the general features of the soil and the lay of the land.
  • Describe the color, texture and moisture content of the soil.

HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE

  • Where are the wet spots on your site?
  • Which of the following water sources are available on your site:
box Bird Bath       box Seasonal       box Year Round
box Pond   box Seasonal   box Year Round
box River   box Seasonal   box Year Round
box Spring   box Seasonal   box Year Round
box Stream   box Seasonal   box Year Round
box Other   box Seasonal   box Year Round
  • Describe the depth and dimensions of this water.
  • What aquatic flora and fauna exists?
  • Describe the movement (if any) of this water. Observe contours of the site and water flow during times of rain. Where does the water drain or settle? 
  • Where is the closest water bib or spigots to your site?

CLIMATE

  • Make a quick map of the sunny and shady areas, according to the following times of the day - Morning, Midday and Afternoon.
  • Describe the wind conditions throughout the year
  • Average Temperatures:
Fall Temperature Highs _____     Lows _____
Winter Temperature Highs _____     Lows _____
Spring Temperature Highs _____     Lows _____
Summer Temperature Highs _____     Lows _____
  • Where are the rain shadows if any?
  • Identify any microclimates on your site.

TOPOGRAPHY

  • Locate the high point of your site.
  • Locate the low point of your site.
  • What is the approximate degree of slope?
  • Where are the wind tunnels?

VEGETATION

Plant Inventory for Food and Shelter

Please take an inventory of the plants and their common names. Additionally, if the plant is a potential food source for wildlife, please check the box and note the food type (for example: berries, nectar, edible leaves). Check your local school district for guidelines on what can and cannot be planted.

Number
Shrub Name
Keep or Move?
Meets School District Guidelines*
Potential Food Source or Food Type
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

Number
Annual and Perennial Names
Keep or Move?
Meets School District Guidelines*
Potential Food Source or Food Type
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       


Dense Shrub       _____ approximate square feet
Ground Cover   _____ approximate square feet
Meadow   _____ approximate square feet
Prairie   _____ approximate square feet
Scrub   _____ approximate square feet

TREE INVENTORY FOR FOOD AND SHELTER

Please take an inventory of your site: listing the number of trees (how many) and their common names. Additionally, if the tree is a potential food source for wildlife, please check the box and note the food type (for example: acorns, fruits, nuts, etc.). Check your local school district for guidelines on what can and cannot be planted and any height limitations.

Number
Mature Tree Names
Keep or Move?
Meets School District Guidelines*
Potential Food Source or Food Type
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

Number
Small Tree Names
Keep or Move?
Meets School District Guidelines*
Potential Food Source or Food Type
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       


Number of Trees with (please note types of wildlife attracted)

_____ Nest/Den Cavities       ________________________
_____ Nest Boxes   ________________________
_____ Feeders   ________________________

WILDLIFE

Wildlife Shelters

  • List additional types of shelter places:
    • Brush pile
    • Dens in ground
    • Log pile
    • Rock pile
    • Other ______________________

  • Inventory of Feeders
  • List the number of feeders, feeder type and the food provided
  • Number Feeder Type Food Provided

Inventory of Water for Wildlife

  • List sources of water for wildlife. Don't forget to include seasonal water sources.
  • Water Source Seasonal/Year Round Wildlife

Wildlife Conflicts with People

  • Which types of wildlife in your habitat site might pose a problem or conflict with people (i.e. bee allergies, fears, etc.)
  • Wildlife Conflict with People

HUMAN NEEDS

  • Identify on your map the following existing human structures included in your habitat site or bordering your habitat site:
    • Driveways
    • Sidewalks
    • Parking lot
    • Fence
    • Playground/sports field
  • Where is the closest electrical outlet?
  • What constraints, if any, will you possibly face with your habitat site?
    • Overhead Wires
    • Underground Utilities
    • District Regulations
    • Zoning Issues
    • Building Codes
    • Water Quality and Wetland Regulations
    • ADA Requirements
    • Adjacent Land Use
    • Neighbor Courtesy
    • Water Conservation
    • Time/Money
    • Vandalism/Safety Concerns

HUMAN USES

  • Where are there areas in your site for study opportunities?
  • Resting/Viewing Areas?
  • Places to store tools and supplies

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

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