Native plants: Native plants have co-evolved with insects and birds. Research suggests that a landscape consisting of at least 70 percent native plants is able to support a healthy bird population.  

• Food variety: At least three types of food sources from plants that produce nectars, pollen, seeds or berries will support pollinators and caterpillars.  
  • Most flowering plants produce pollen and nectar, so it is important to choose different flower shapes to support different types of pollinators.  
  • Service berries, sunflowers and ornamental grasses are examples of plants that produce seeds and berries which will attract a variety of bird species.  
  • Trees such as oaks, boxelders and cottonwoods can host hundreds of species of caterpillars, which is what birds feed their young.  
• Water: Providing a bird bath, pond or even a dish of water with rocks in it will create a reliable source of water for garden inhabitants and visitors.  
• Shelter: Adding a native tree or fruit-bearing shrub will allow birds to nest and hide from predators among a perennial-filled garden.  

For additional information about creating a biodiverse landscape, explore these resources:  

• National Wildlife Federation’s Habitat Essentials 
• WildOnes Front Range - Coloradoscaping Toolkit 
• Northern Water’s Pollinator Garden Detail, that is part of the Sustainable Landscape Temples.