Naturescaping: a landscaping partnership with nature

Salmon Berry - Photo by Kathy Munsel -

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) promotes Naturescaping in partnership with wildlife enthusiasts and Master Gardeners.

Naturescaping provides habitat for native plants and animals and allows people to enter into a landscaping partnership with nature. A Naturescaped landscape eases yard maintenance, recreates vital ecosystems that provide clean water to local watersheds and protects wildlife from becoming threatened or endangered.

• How to..
• Resources

Attract birds and bats

• Song Bird Nest Box (pdf)
• Bird Feeders (pdf)
• Bat Boxes (pdf)
• Feeding Birds (pdf)
• Squirrel Boxes
• Wood Duck Boxes (pdf)

Naturescaping benefits both people and wildlife

Human Benefits

• Saves money
• Conserves water
• Minimizes pesticide and fertilizer use
• Reduces maintenance time

Merganser House - Photo by Steve Reed -

Wildlife Benefits

• Promotes native species
• Provides habitat for animals
• Maintains diversity
• Fights invasive species

Naturescaping promotes four principles of effective habitat creation

• Allocate space where animals can live.
• Plant a variety of native vegetation to provide food and shelter.
• Provide cover to protect animals and their young from predators and inclement weather.
• Maintain water sources for drinking and bathing.