Waukesha County Home

(StatePoint) — When it comes to changing the world, your own backyard is a great place to start. As you make home improve- ments, consider their potential to benefit local wildlife that travel in and around your property. Here are a few important steps you can take: Plant native species By planning native species exclusively in your garden and yard, you will be promot- ing a healthy local ecosystem while provid- ing proper nourishment and a natural habi- tat for visiting wildlife, whether that be insects, birds or furry creatures. Because native plant species are meant to thrive in your local climate, they will require less maintenance, which means a beautiful yard with less stress. Prevent bird strikes You may not realize it, but your home poses a risk to birds. Window strikes are common among many species of migrating birds, and millions of wild birds are killed annually flying into windows. However, a simple home improvement project can make your home safer for birds. Birds can see certain light frequencies that humans can't, so by applying UV decals and UV liquid to your home's windows and slid- ing glass doors, you can make windows vis- ible to birds in a way that won't obstruct your own view. "Protecting birds adds beauty to your garden, is good for the environment and most importantly, saves lives," says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert , a company that offers UV decals and UV Liquid. The UV decals and liquid from Win- dowAlert have been proven to effectively alter the flight path of birds to prevent window strikes. The coating will look like etched glass to the human eye, but be very visible to a bird. As UV reflectivity may fade over time, it's important to replace the decals and liquid every four months. Appli- cation techniques can be found by visiting WindowAlert.com. Build a bird house Add beauty to your yard with a wooden bird house. Find a design you love or get creative and craft your own, using your own home's architecture for inspiration. A strategically placed bird house — either within 3 feet of a window or over 30 feet away — will help avoid bird strikes. Be a good neighbor — not just to the other humans. Make improvements to your home that will help protect both local and migratory wildlife. HOME JULY 2019 2 Distributed by: ©2018 by Conley Media Waukesha County Home is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Home Volume 8 ■ Number 7 ■ July 2019 Weeding From Page 1 "A layer of newspaper creates an excel- lent natural weed barrier," Levenhagen said. Weeds can also be treated with organic herbicides that contain high levels of iron, an element which kills certain plants, rather than harmful chemicals. Krokowski noted that, while weeds may have a negative reputation, not all of them have adverse effects on lawns. For example, creeping Charlie can be good for pollinators such as bees and birds. She feels that man- aging expectations of lawn maintenance can help reduce gardening stress, but for those who want to eliminate as many weeds as possible, a single herbicide application should do. In autumn, weeds are in an early growth stage, enabling weed killers to reach plants' roots more effectively. "Generally, the best time to control lawn weeds is in the fall," Krokowski said. "If you're going to use an herbicide, do it once a year." Change your backyard to help critters Home and garden improvements that will benefit local wildlife StatePoint If you want to draw animals like birds to your yards, keep in mind to keep water and food, including native plantings, on hand, but at the right distance from windows to prevent bird strikes. It pays to be ahead of the storm It's always a good idea to prepare your home and family for a big summer storm before it happens. Build an emergency kit ■ Include a few days' worth of clothing for the entire family, nonperishable foods, drinking water, first-aid kit, hygiene and baby/pet supplies, cash, blankets, flash- light, matches or candles. ■ Work gloves, duct tape and small tools are also good to keep around. Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family ■ Pick a safe place to gather away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Keep a portable TV or radio on hand to monitor weather updates. ■ Don't forget extra batteries. ■ Make sure cell phones are charged. ■ Have an alternate cooking method in case of power outages such as a charcoal or propane grill. Prepare your home ■ Reinforce windows with storm shut- ters. ■ Keep sheets of plywood or tarps to cover broken windows or damage. ■ Clean gutters to prevent clogging as this can cause water to pour down the side of the house or under the roof. ■ Waterproof your home by checking for cracks and inspecting tiles and shingles and seal your vents to prevent wind or rain damage. ■ Make sure vents are sealed to prevent wind and rain from entering. ■ A battery-operated backup sump pump is also a good idea. Prepare your yard ■ Trim your trees as falling branches and debris can cause a lot of damage. ■ Ensure that your yard slopes away from your home as this can prevent water pooling and causing damage to the founda- tion.

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