It’s summertime and one of the treasures we horse owners get to enjoy is communing with nature – the relaxing trail ride where you spot a fleeting fox or listen to the hauntingly melodic song of the varied thrush.  Or how about sitting on the back deck watching the colorful rufous-sided towhee scratch the ground for food, or a song sparrow systematically bend a dandelion over and gently pluck off the seeds?  Perhaps you’ve ridden through your back pasture, as I have, when a hawk whizzed past, nailing a small rodent in the grass nearby.

On a horse property, there are many wonderful ways that we can share in taking care of wildlife.  In a time of increasing urbanization, doing a few things for wildlife gives horse owners an opportunity to “give back” something to nature.  In turn, many native animals can benefit us through insect and rodent control, as well as providing us with countless hours of entertainment, education, and relaxation.

If you are interested in sharing a bond with some beneficial wildlife, here are some techniques to encourage them. First of all, all living creatures need three things: food, water, and cover.  When trying to encourage (or discourage!) an animal, it is helpful to know what they like to eat, where they eat and drink, and where they rest and nest.  By offering these conditions (or eliminating them if you are trying to discourage wildlife), you can help create a habitat to encourage your particular species.

Here are some simple suggestions for techniques you can set up on your horse property this summer:

1. FOOD

• Leave some grasses unmowed

In corners of pastures, along fence lines, or under trees are a few good places to leave grasses alone.  Birds can hide and hunt there and larger animals (such as hawks) will prey on them.  Also, some seed-eating birds such as gold finches will increase.

• Plant crops you can “share”

Berries, nuts, flowers, herbs, and fruits are all good for sharing with birds, butterflies, and bees.

• Go native

Abundant selections of native plants provide the most reliable cover and food for wildlife in all seasons.  This is especially important around streams, ponds, and lakes.

• Plant for each season

Native Red Flowering Currant is one of the best early season shrubs for attracting hummingbirds.  Do a little planting research and increase your wildlife diversity!

• Limit or eliminate chemical usage

Many grub-eating species (like robins) will stay away if you contaminate their soil with synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

• Don’t let the cat out

Cats and dogs provide many useful functions for unwanted wildlife around barns and houses, but every bird and mouse they kill is one less for our native predators.

2. WATER

• Birdbaths

These will provide water at the right depth, and are easily hosed out weekly to prevent algae and mosquitoes.  Alternately, use some shallow plant saucers right on the ground.

• Water barrels

You can put your roof to work by placing barrels under your downspouts and sharing with the birds – pond plants and non-toxic mosquito dunks can be added.  Put in little board or stick as a “float” for smaller critters like the beautiful dragonflies!

• Ponds and fountains

The sound of running water is a great attractant for birds -- and humans too! 

3. COVER

• Provide the right nest boxes

Use boxes specific for swallows, bats, butterflies, bees, small birds, owls, flickers, and more.  The right box ensures that babies and eggs are protected from predators.

• Provide brush piles

Great for little birds such as chickadees, as well as frogs and other small wildlife.

• Provide rock piles

Loved by snakes, lizards, and other helpful bug and rodent catchers!

• Leave snags and downed trees

Provides cover and/or food for birds such as woodpeckers, ravens, hawks, and eagles.

• Plant hedgerows

Great for birds like quail and small animals to live in or to get from place to place.

• Provide nesting materials

Little piles of horsehair, sticks, hay, etc. left strategically around will be appreciated.

Happy nature watching and good horsekeeping to you!

Discover great ways to get your horse property in shape for you & your horses to enjoy this summer!   Check out the website, www.HorsesforCleanWater.com, for new events added regularly.

IN JULY:

MARYSVILLE, WA

Shopping for Horse Property: How to Select a Suitable Site

Many things go into selecting a suitable horse property, well beyond the barn and arena.  Join HCW for this presentation to discuss soils, vegetation, drainage, and many other considerations that can save you frustrations and heartache down the road, as well as lots of money!  Avoid expensive mistakes by outlining what you’ll need before you buy! Wednesday, July 11^th, 6 to 9pm.  Kellogg Marsh Grange, Marysville, WA.  FREE!  To register and receive a map, contact the Snohomish Conservation District at 425-335-5634, ext. 4 or workshops@snohomishcd.org.

OLYMPIA, WA

Special Composting & Manure Management Workshop

Join HCW at an Olympia small farm to learn how to make your place healthier for your horses, more productive this growing season; also, reduce nuisance insects and become chore-efficient!  This special workshop will be held at an urban small farm with excellent composting techniques. Guest speakers, experts in the industry, will provide more background on management options. Compost guru Peter Moone will talk about composting with static aerated piles.  Silver Springs Organics will discuss their composting operation and how they can accept horse manure and stall waste.  Monday, July 16^th, 6:30 – 8:30pm.  FREE!  For registration & directions: Sara Carter at 360-754-3588 & scarter@thurstoncd.com or Karin Strelioff at 360-427-9436 & karinls@masoncd.org.

FALL CITY, WA                                                                                                                                             

The Chore Efficient Horse Farm

See a small farm that is big on economizing. The horse portion of this property was carefully designed & built by the owners to maximize space and chore efficiency.  Everything for three horses has been neatly arranged on one acre, including barn, mud-free paddocks, arena, compost bins, and pasture. Hear about cooperative arrangements with neighbors that result in sharing equipment. This farm enjoys a picturesque view of the Snoqualmie River Valley -- and helps keep the waters clean, too!  Bonus: learn about King County Parks' equestrian trails, accessible nearby!  Wednesday, July 18^th, 6:30 -- 8:30pm. FREE!  To register and receive a map, contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581, ext. 125 or Roseanne.Campagna@kingcd.org.