(NC)—Whether you have a small yard in the suburbs or an acre in the country, your private green space serves as habitat for wildlife—from a variety of native and non-native plants to insects, birds, and other animals.

With habitat loss and degradation taking their toll on biological diversity in Canada and around the world, habitats on private lands can play an important role in providing food, shelter, water, and the other necessities to a wide range of species.

Here are some tips on how you can help preserve and create valuable wildlife habitat in your own backyard:

• Restore native plant communities. The wildlife in your area co-evolved with these species, and depends on them for food and shelter.

• Plant a variety of trees—from fruit and nut-bearing species to evergreens and deciduous trees. Trees provide critical food and shelter for birds and animals.

• If you have a forested area on your property, leave a few dead or dying trees standing. These "snags" provide homes for cavity dwellers, such as chickadees, woodpeckers, and squirrels.

• Piles of rocks and logs serve as homes for small animals, such as chipmunks and snakes.

• Eliminate the use of pesticides and other chemicals in your yard.

• Put up bat houses and birdhouses as shelters, and help control insect pests naturally.

If you have a large property whose natural features have been preserved, consider donating the land—or a partial interest in the land, such as a conservation easement—to a qualified recipient through the federal Ecological Gifts Program. In addition to knowing that their cherished piece of land will be protected in its natural state forever, donors receive significant tax breaks. For more information, visit the Ecological Gifts Program web site at

www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/egp-pde or call (800) 668-6767.

Credit: www.newscanada.com