Creating Wildlife Habitat Piles

All kinds of wildlife — furry mammals, flying birds, crawling amphibians, and even tiny insects — need food, water, and shelter to survive.

Each species has its own needs. Some animals can live in small spaces, while others need much larger areas. Some animals need consistent conditions all year, while others only need them at certain times in their life cycle.

Your yard or property might already have some of the habitat needed by wildlife. But by improving what’s there or adding new features, you can help local animals find a safe and comfortable home. No matter how big or small your space is, you can make a difference!

During winter and spring, when you are trimming trees, thinning your forest, or cleaning up after storms, think about creating habitat piles. A habitat pile is an easy way to give wildlife shelter using natural materials you already have on hand.

These piles can be big or small. Larger “bio-dens” use logs and roots, while smaller piles can be made from branches. Birds can use them for nesting and finding food. Mammals can hide from predators or raise their young. Amphibians and reptiles can stay cool and hunt for insects among the damp wood.

To build a habitat pile, place the largest logs or branches on the bottom in a crisscross pattern, creating spaces between them. Then add smaller branches on top and finish with evergreen boughs or smaller brush.

Habitat piles provide year-long benefits for wildlife. In winter, animals can stay warm and protected from the wind. In summer, the lower parts of the pile will stay moist, giving amphibians a cool place to rest. Bark and leaves attract insects and provide food for many species. The open spaces between branches also let animals move around safely.

Over time, the wood in the pile will start to break down. This creates food for insects and adds nutrients to the soil, helping your ecosystem stay healthy. You can add to your habitat pile throughout the year or make new ones in other spots.

Safety is important, too. Build your piles away from low tree branches to reduce fire risk in dry weather. Because the bottom layer touches the ground and stays moist, it helps lower fire danger.

Whether you have a small backyard or a big piece of land, you can help local wildlife. To learn more, check out information about habitat piles, bio-dens, hibernacula, and other shelters. The Woodland Fish and Wildlife Group has a great guide to help you get started and inspire your next project! https://bit.ly/3JyF57f

If you have additional questions, you are always welcome to contact Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District for help. 503-210-6000 or info@conservationdistrict.org