Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation Choices: Upland Wildlife Habitat Management

What it is

Planting and managing trees, shrubs and other vegetation that provide cover and food to attract wildlife to an area.

How it helps

• Planned wildlife habitat provides food and cover for wildlife.
• Ground cover helps reduce soil erosion, adds organic matter to the soil, filters runoff and increases infiltration.
• It can add value to your farmstead.

Planning ahead

• Will your planned habitat attract the type of wildlife you want?
• Is a particular piece of land better suited for upland habitat than for livestock or crops?
• Do you plan to allow hunting?
• Are there threatened or endangered species in your area you could help protect?
• How close do you want the habitat area to be to your farmstead?

Tech Notes

• Plant the wildlife area with a vegetative cover of grass, trees or shrubs.
• Use native plants wherever possible.
• To attract a specific wildlife species, choose cover and habitat for that species.
• Create a diverse habitat to attract a wider variety of wildlife.
• Consult the local DNR wildlife biologist for the recommended wildlife populations for the upland habitat area planned for your farm.
• Encourage shrub growth between woodlands and grasslands.
• Include bird houses and feeding stations in habitat areas.
• Include milkweed for pollinator habitat.

Maintenance

• Annually inspect and repair structural or vegetative components.
• Prescribed burning may be necessary to regenerate growth and eliminate undesirable species.
• Use weed management to maintain desirable plant and animal species.
• Re-plant vegetation and trees if habitat area is damaged by disease or poor weather.

Iowa Practice Standard

• Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (PDF)