May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and studies have shown that connecting with nature in a thriving green space can provide countless health benefits.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, creativity and facilitating concentration. Nature connectedness also is associated with lower levels of poor mental health, and “high quality” natural spaces—like those with higher biodiversity—are better for us and our wellbeing.

Consider enhancing your outdoor space to nourish both your mind and surrounding wildlife. Whether working with a small balcony or spacious yard, gardeners can have a big impact on wildlife by employing the right features.

According to Virginia Cooperative Extension, there are many attractive plants, shrubs and trees that benefit wildlife. A diverse, well-managed backyard habitat can add year-round interest, save energy, protect the soil, improve water and air quality, help with insect control, and offer endless opportunities for learning and observing nature.

Extension recommends sticking with native plants, as they are adapted to local weather and soil conditions, more resistant to local insects and diseases, and provide foods that are familiar and timed to the life cycles of animals in the region.

According to the Department of Wildlife Resources, every wildlife species has a set of well-defined requirements. All require adequate space for mating, breeding and raising offspring; cover to protect against the elements and predators; food resources throughout the year; and sufficient sources of accessible water.

Different habitat elements will attract particular groups of wildlife species. For example:

• Butterflies and moths need flowering plants that provide nectar for the adults and host plants to feed their young.
• Woodland-type birds need groups of shrubs and small-to-large trees for cover, as well as leaf litter on the ground and convenient sources of water.
• Salamanders, frogs and other amphibians need water features and moist soils shaded by ground covers, dead leaves and overhanging plant material.

Before getting started, ask yourself:

1. What types of wildlife do I want to attract?
2. What habitat elements are missing from my yard that those wildlife species need?
3. What’s the best way to arrange those elements and ensure habitat diversity?

Look at your yard from the perspective of wildlife. For example, birds don’t care whether you plant a fence line with two rows of neat shrubs or a thick, tangled mass of briars and small trees—as long as the fencerow provides some cover.

Other things to consider:

• Incorporating a variety of plant species, structures and nonliving materials promotes a healthy landscape and attracts a more diverse wildlife community. However, you may attract species you didn’t anticipate. Keep your house, yard and garden tidy, and deal with unexpected problems responsibly.
• When choosing plants, consider the function or role they will play and appearance they will offer. Try to select plants that fulfill more than one habitat function.
• Some habitat features may already be available in neighboring lands.
• Sources of food, cover and water need to be located near each other.

For a list of native plant species and their wildlife uses, which invasive exotic species to avoid, and other important habitat considerations, read the Virginia DWR Habitat at Home® guide.

Read Extension’s Backyard Wildlife Habitats publication for additional information, important safety tips and guidance on how to get started.