Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
Habitat is a combination of food, water, shelter and physical space in which wildlife live. Both the quality and size of the habitat determine which species of wildlife can use it.

F&W foresters have been helping to create diverse habitat, and a variety of habitats, in southern New England for over 30 years. Each species requires different habitat, but some of the habitats required by many species that can be created through forest management include early successional forest with dense tree seedlings and saplings, shrubland with soft mast-producing plants (raspberries, blueberries, etc.), and structurally complex forests with trees of all sizes, cavity trees, down woody material, and small canopy gaps with pockets of dense understory vegetation. Many species require one or more of these habitat types throughout their lives, and some, such as Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock, are dependent on early successional habitat that is underrepresented in this region.

We work with landowners to determine the types of habitat required for their chosen wildlife species, or suites of species, and then help landowners implement activities to create or enhance that type of habitat. We perform some fine-scale habitat work ourselves, and can find contractors to perform larger scale work and oversee the entire process.

For landowners especially interested in managing for bird habitat, Audubon CT has an exciting program called the Forest Bird Initiative. Audubon CT performs forest bird habitat assessments for landowners whose property qualifies. For more information on this program and how to apply see the Forest for Birds website.

For an initial consultation or brief walk of your property, please call (860) 349-7007 or email [email protected].

Photo: P. Comins, Audubon CT