Site Features

Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (OWLS) will vary in size and makeup because each will be tailored to the school grounds or area being considered. Each site should contain at least a planting of small trees and shrubs beneficial to wildlife and/or a plot of native prairie; and a water source consisting of bird baths, a frog pool, or even a segment of creek, larger marsh, or pond. Each site may be groomed to fit the available landscape and designed to achieve specific learning objectives. Other OWLS features may include:

• feeding stations for birds, squirrels, etc;
• woody plantings that include trees and shrubs to be used as nesting cover, food, and perching sites (may be associated with feeding stations);
• shrubs that represent woody songbird plants;
• butterfly and/or hummingbird/wildflower gardens;
• stands of native prairie;
• animal tracking plots;
• wildlife brushpiles;
• rotting stump/log station;
• plant succession areas;
• weather station;
• nesting structures for songbirds, waterfowl, or small mammals;
• interpretive or nature trails through OWLS;
• water - a lined pond or developed wetland, incorporating wetland plant species
  

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