What’s wild about your backyard? This time on The Children’s Hour we explore creating a backyard or balcony to attract wildlife, in a visit with a “more than human geographer” Laurel Ladwig. She’s part of a movement of reconciliation ecologists who are encouraging people to increase habitats around our homes. Planting flowers and other plants in order to attract wildlife to our yards helps critters who need more nectar, pollen, shade and food to survive in our artificial urban environments.

Backyard Wildlife

Some wild creatures are dangerous like rattlesnakes, but others only look scary, like vinegaroons. Both live in Cade’s yard in the southwestern mountains. How can we encourage species that we enjoy while discouraging species we would rather not attract?

We learn about why it’s so important to seek out plants which are native to where we live. Here’s an online site where you can learn more about what species can thrive around you, and survive the effects of climate change.

Photo by James Wainstcoat on UnSplash

The kids also meet Jim Battaglia from Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico, to learn what to do when we find injured wild animals in our yards, parks and playgrounds.

This show is mixed with excellent music to encourage everyone to get outside, and plant something.

Don’t forget the City Nature Challenge happening worldwide April 29 – May 2, 2022. Find out more!

Playlist Backyard Wildlife

titleartistalbumlabelduration
Tres pajaritos (Three Little Birds)Elizabeth Mitchell & Suni PazTu eres mi flor: Songs for Children en Espanol2018 Smtihsonian Folkways Recordings02:26
Janie and the HummingbirdSeth HoffmanFour in the Morning2011 Seth Hoffman04:15
Plant a HabitatBirdsong and the Eco-wondersEverything Is Connected (And Other Animal Songs for Kids)2012 Cheryl Procaccini (Aka Birdsong) Dba Little Ones Music01:36
If We Knew All The Laws of NatureRobert FarmerSolo Guitar Instrumentals2015 Robert Farmer01:04
Hummingbird & ChipmunkPhreddUkulele Bundle of Joy2022 Phredd02:23
Planting Seeds (feat. Sean Staples)Alastair MoockBe a Pain - An Album for Young (And Old) Leaders2020 Alastair Moock04:06
Take a Little SeedStuart Stotts & Tom PeasePass It on Down, Vol. 12021 Stuart Stotts and Tom Pease02:57
Planting SeedsNimo PatelEmpty Hands2014 Empty Hands Music02:04
Nature KidPodington BearThe Box Set2008 HUSH01:06
The Garden SongAndy MasonEverybody Likes Pizza2007 Andy Mason03:19
Hi City SquirrelKatie Dwyer MusicMusic Makes Me Happy2020 Katie Dwyer Music01:24
Early BirdShel SilversteinWhere the Sidewalk Ends1984, 2000 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.00:17
Bird Song OperaVolkersingle2021 Volker02:41
Wild LifeJustin RobertsWild Life2020 Justin Roberts01:51