RHIS Presents Backyard Wildlife Habitat by Patti Landolt - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

RHIS Presents Backyard Wildlife Habitat

By Patti Landolt, Community Writer
February 3, 2015 at 07:15pm. Views: 91

Redlands Horticulture and Improvement Society welcomed Professor of Natural Resources, Kurt Leuschner, from the College of the Desert in Palm Desert as their speaker for their January meeting. Backyard Wildlife Habitat was the subject of Leuschner’s presentation. Leuschner began his program by stating that “The key to a backyard habitat is plants; attracting beneficial insects and birds by planting native plants.” He went on to share that even if one person in the neighborhood had a great yard or habitat, that was full of native plants, that would do a lot to alleviate fragmenting native habitats that have been turned into parking lots and malls, which have no benefit to wildlife. Leuschner encouraged the audience to re-evaluate their lawns. “Useless lawns really do nothing but waste water, money and time. People are finally getting the idea that water is not this unlimited resource. We really do need to curtail our water usage.” One of the ways he suggested reducing water waste was by transforming lawns. People can learn about native plants to their area and plant those plants. Most lawns don’t get any use and planting native plants will reduce the amount of lawn that takes up water, time and money. “If you don’t plant the right stuff, the native stuff, you will attract the wrong kind of critters, too. Wrong kinds of birds; pests such as house sparrows and starlings which are both non-natives. The brown headed cowbird is native, but is a nest parasite. They lay their eggs in other birds nests. If you want to avoid attracting cowbirds, change your landscape by getting rid of turf grass. Planting native plants attracts native birds,“ explained Leuschner. Leuschner suggested keeping native palms intact. Many palm trees are hacked and skinned. Allow palms to grow with the skirt of the palm intact. The skirt helps to protect the palm from frost, wind and sun damage as well as provide homes for beneficial critters such as yellow bats which only live in palm trees. Yellow bats eat insects. If you need to have palms pruned, avoid pruning them during the time between March 1 through August 1, this is nesting season for native birds like the Castrel hawk and oriole. Transforming a yard into a backyard habitat is an educational process. “Food, water and shelter are the things you want to think about when creating your wildlife habitat,” Leuschner said. Right kinds of food in the form of plants, a water source such as a bird bath, preferably one that has a drip system, and plants that provide shelter as well as artificial shelter such as birdhouses. Following his presentation, Leuschner gave the audience an opportunity to ask questions. The Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society meets the third Thursday of the month from September through June at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, Young Hall, located at 1307 E. Citrus Ave., Redlands, CA.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 857

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 490

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 172

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 537

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 432

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 549

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 279

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 443

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 498

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 614

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 477

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 536

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->