As I have mentioned before on this blog wildlife management is a big focus for us here on our homestead/farm. We enjoy seeing wildlife and we truly believe that incorporating wildlife into the homestead is beneficial for both parties. I would like to share with you our biggest investment in wildlife that we have made here in the homestead and how it has worked out.
The first picture is of our perimeter fence on our main farm. We have just under 2.5 miles of perimeter fence on the homestead. Most of the perimeter of our property is surrounded by a creek. What we did was we fenced out between 50 and 250 feet up from the creek. This established what I call our wildlife buffer.
The picture above shows the pasture on the right the fence then the buffer zone on the left. This buffer has created natural wildlife habitat for all kinds of wild animals around our homestead. In total we have about 42 acres set aside on our homestead in this wildlife buffer zone. This has caused an explosion of wildlife on our property. When we purchased the farm over 5 years ago there were a few deer some squirrels, rabbits and other small animals. Since we have established this wildlife buffer we now see deer daily. We have rabbits and squirrels everywhere. We even have started to see wild bobwhite quail move back. This buffer provides natural cover for smaller animals and bedding areas for deer.
It might sound odd that a family trying to make a living off of farming the land would set aside 42 acres for wildlife but what we have found is that with more wildlife around our livestock stay healthier and thrive. The diversity that comes with multiple species of animals all living in harmony on the homestead is truly amazing.
One example of how this buffer zone has made our homestead better is that the squirrels have planted thousands of walnut trees for us.
All these young trees you see in this picture are young walnut trees planted by the squirrels. This past year was the first year they produced any nuts, there wasn’t a lot of nuts on them but some. One way we make money on our farm is from selling walnuts. Now that we have set aside this land for the wildlife they have planted literally 1,000s of walnut trees for us that will produce nuts that we will be able to sell in the future.
This past year we tried fencing in about 5 acres of the buffer zone. Our plan was to in late summer use the goat herd to eat up all the weeds and expose the ground so fresh grass and clover could grow. We did this as a test of 5 of the acres in the buffer. The hope was that if we did this late summer all the nesting birds and baby deer and rabbits would be grown. Then the grasses would grow all late summer and fall. Then in the winter the wild animals would have a 5 acre grassland to graze. It worked perfectly. In the dead of winter the deer and rabbits were out grazing in this 5 acre section.
I hope that this will help to give some fellow homesteaders or farmers some ideas on how we can improve the wildlife habitat on our land. It makes me smile whenever wildlife is thriving on our homestead!
Nice work, these wooded areas will also make sure your soil stays put during heavy rains. Excellent idea!
Even though we don't have much land, mu husband always watches out the back door for squirrels, rabbits and the occasional turtle (from the creek at the edge of our property). We have been hearing of coyotes in the area more in the last year than they've had in the area in decades.
Last summer I did see one just before daybreak and I was on high alert.
I also love seeing wildlife. It so awesome to see animals out in the wild.
I applaud your efforts to preserve space for wildlife. Too many animals are being squeezed out of their natural habitats by development. Humans and the natural environment can exist together. Natural space should be set aside as we build spaces for humans.
I agree!
Excellent work, and looks like it is going to pay off in the long run for everyone!
It always blows my mind, and it shouldn't haha, that if we let nature do what nature does, we all benefit. Your livestock, your family, and all those wild animals! Great job!!
I think it's so important to try and live WITH the wildlife instead of trying to fight it. Providing some sort of forage for them, I am sure that helps with them not trying to eat as much of your crops! Great idea, I look forward to the development of your project and hope to hear more about it!
Thank you. Yes I 100 percent agree!
You are an excellent steward of the land entrusted to you by our Creator.
On Tuesday I will be posting about all the wildlife we see on our homestead. We are a long skinny "bowling alley" so there's no place to make a buffer. But we had woods on either side of us up until 3 years ago. Unfortunately we were unable to buy either place and now it's all being cut down. :(( But we still see wildlife daily.
I look forward to seeing your post. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!
Excellent your natural photography really awesome...I impress see your photography
creative ideas, not everyone can think of things that benefits to kenung area that, even in the worry when I have land, even I sell first
You got a 8.85% upvote from @upmewhale courtesy of @bowentroyer!
2.61% @pushup from @bowentroyer
This post has received a 10.70% upvote from @aksdwi thanks to: @bowentroyer.
Hi. I'm sorry for spamming. We are at the moment planing out our garden and we are searching for some gardeners / homesteaders who could give us some advice.It would be nice if you took a look at our plan and give us your thoughts. It would mean a lot for us.
SILIŅI. I need gardeners advice. Planing out our territory.