{"id":16566,"date":"2026-03-23T19:46:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T19:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/?p=16566"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:20:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:20:33","slug":"wild-spaces-water-shelter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/wild-spaces-water-shelter\/","title":{"rendered":"WILD Spaces: Water &#038; Shelter"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Every wildlife\u2011friendly space needs food, water, shelter and earth-friendly gardening practices (no pesticide use).<\/h2>\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/gardening-for-wildlife-connect-and-learn\/\">connected with your outdoor space<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/en\/wild-spaces-its-time-to-plan\/\">started planning your native plant garden<\/a>, it\u2019s time to focus on two essential habitat elements that help wildlife thrive: water and shelter. This month, let\u2019s build on the foundations you\u2019ve already created.<\/p>\n<h3>Provide Water in Your WILD Space<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cwf-fcf.org\/en\/explore\/gardening-for-wildlife\/how\/water.html\">Water<\/a> is one of the most important components of any wildlife\u2011friendly garden. It\u2019s needed for drinking, bathing, cooling down and staying healthy. Even simple water features can make your <a href=\"https:\/\/cwf-fcf.org\/en\/explore\/wild-spaces.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WILD Space<\/a> more welcoming to wildlife. Remember to refresh water every few days and keep containers clean to prevent bacteria and mosquito larvae.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Ways to Provide Water in Your WILD Space<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>&#x2714;\u00a0 Water sources that you can purchase or make<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Birdbath<\/strong> \u2014 A birdbath in a shaded spot helps wildlife drink and bathe while keeping water cooler for longer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shallow dish with perching stones<\/strong>\u2014 Ground\u2011level dishes support birds and insects. Add a few stones or gravel for safe footing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Butterfly puddling dish\/area \u2014 <\/strong>A shallow dish with moist sand, compost or soil gives butterflies access to water and minerals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Small <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/get\/224923\/CWF%20Half-Barrel%20Pond.pdf\"><strong>pond<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 A simple pond supports amphibians, insects and other wildlife. Ensure edges are sloped or provide stones or logs so animals can climb out easily.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recirculating stream or mini\u2011waterfall<\/strong> \u2014 Running water adds sound and movement that attracts wildlife and can support a wider range of species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>&#x2714;\u00a0 Natural water sources<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water garden<\/strong> \u2014 A planted area designed to hold or manage water, similar to natural pond edges.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rain garden<\/strong> \u2014 A shallow, vegetated basin that collects and filters rainwater runoff.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stream \/ Spring \/ River \/ Lake<\/strong> \u2014 Flowing or standing natural waters provide habitat for amphibians, insects, and many species of birds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wetland \/ Seasonal pool<\/strong> \u2014 Temporary or permanent shallow wetlands support amphibians, insects, and migrating wildlife.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>&#x2714; Creative and Low-Cost Water Ideas<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Upcycled container dishes<\/strong> \u2014 Old lids or trays can become shallow water sources.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rock with a natural depression<\/strong> \u2014 A flat stone with a dip can hold small amounts of water after rain, similar to natural puddles.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clay pot saucers<\/strong> \u2014 Saucers make excellent shallow basins for insects and birds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Provide Shelter in Your WILD Space<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cwf-fcf.org\/en\/explore\/gardening-for-wildlife\/how\/shelter.html\">Shelter<\/a> is just as important as water. Wildlife needs places to stay warm in winter, cool in summer, hide from predators, and nest or rest throughout the year. Below is a wide range of shelter features your schoolyard can incorporate.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Ways to Provide Wildlife-Friendly Shelter in Your WILD Space<\/strong><\/h4>\n<h4><strong>&#x2714; Vegetation-Based Shelter<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Potted plants<\/strong> \u2014 These are great for schools with limited digging space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ground cover<\/strong> \u2014 Ground cover provides cool, moist hiding places for insects and amphibians.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/get\/224925\/CWF%20A%20New%20Lease%20on%20Leaves.pdf\"><strong>Leaf litter<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 A critical microhabitat for insects, leaf litter also supports soil health.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dense area of native grasses\/perennials<\/strong> \u2014 Clusters of perennials, ferns, and grasses give small creatures places to hide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vines<\/strong> \u2014 Climbing plants create vertical habitat and nesting cover.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meadow\/prairie plantings<\/strong> \u2014 Tall grasses and wildflowers offer shelter and food.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Host plants for caterpillars<\/strong> \u2014 These plants are essential for butterfly life cycles.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hollow plant stems<\/strong> \u2014 These offer nesting habitat for native bees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evergreen trees\/shrubs<\/strong> \u2014 Trees and Shrubs provide year\u2011round cover from weather.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deciduous trees\/shrubs<\/strong> \u2014 These create layered habitat for birds and insects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>&#x2714; Structural Natural Shelter<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rock pile<\/strong> \u2014 This feature creates cool, shaded micro\u2011habitats for insects and amphibians.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brush pile \/ Log pile<\/strong> \u2014 Piles offer excellent shelter for insects, amphibians and small mammals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Open sunny ground for solitary bees<\/strong> \u2014 Many solitary native bees tunnel into bare soil, making ground beneficial.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Burrow<\/strong> \u2014 Natural underground hideaways used by small mammals and amphibians for shelter and safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>&#x2714; Human-Made Shelter Structures<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bug hotel<\/strong> \u2014 This structure supports solitary bees and beneficial insects.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/link\/232401\/\">Bird nesting\/roosting box<\/a> \u2014 These boxes can be created at home, or you can opt to <a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/link\/232407\/\">provide the material<\/a> for the birds to make their own.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/get\/286484\/How%20to%20build%20a%20bat%20house.pdf\">Bat house<\/a> \u2014 These houses provide summer roosting habitat for bats\u2014here&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/view\/262673\/\">video tutorial.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/education.cwf-fcf.org\/library\/resources\/get\/224691\/CWF%20Toad%20Abodes.pdf\">Toad abode<\/a> \u2014 These homes give toads a place to rest and eat.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snag (standing dead tree)<\/strong> \u2014 Snags supports cavity\u2011nesting birds and insects (when safe to maintain on site).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>A Note on Maintenance<\/h3>\n<p>Remember: Keeping your garden free of pesticides ensures these shelter areas remain safe for wildlife and the insects many animals depend on for food.<\/p>\n<h3>\u00a0It\u2019s Not Too Late to Request FREE Native Plants!<\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s still time to apply for a chance to receive free native pollinator plants through the WILD Spaces program.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/r\/2026plantrequest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Request your plants &gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Thanks for Growing With Us!<\/h3>\n<p>Your efforts are making a real difference for local biodiversity. By offering water and shelter, you\u2019re helping your WILD Space become a living, thriving habitat \u2014 and a powerful learning environment.<\/p>\n<p>Let us know how your garden is evolving \u2014 we love seeing photos and stories from your schoolyard!<\/p>\n<p><em>If you discovered this blog on our website, be sure to sign up for the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cwf-fcf.org\/en\/explore\/wild-spaces\/?src=blog\"><em>WILD Spaces e\u2011blast.<\/em><\/a><em> You\u2019ll receive monthly updates, next\u2011step reminders, and resources featuring each month\u2019s highlighted pollinator \u2014 everything you need to stay inspired and keep your garden growing strong!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"post-excerpt\">Every wildlife\u2011friendly space needs food, water, shelter and earth-friendly gardening practices (no pesticide use). Now that you\u2019ve connected with your outdoor space and started planning your native plant garden, it\u2019s&hellip;<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":16567,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[642,641],"tags":[1274,10362],"class_list":["post-16566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-gardening","tag-wild-spaces","tag-wild-spaces-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16566"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16566\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16588,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16566\/revisions\/16588"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.cwf-fcf.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}