How to Plan Landscape Ecology

Test the soil in the area to know the type of nutrients available for landscape plants that will provide the basic habitats for insects, birds and animals.

Build the basic structures needed for human function within the land area. Use naturally occurring features such as sunlight, water sources and land elevation to design buildings and outdoor areas with the least artificial energy requirements.

Build small units of habitation to scale, providing for green space for wildlife and recreation and limiting density to avoid overcrowding and pollution effects.

Plant trees and shrubs in groupings to allow birds, squirrels and other wildlife to find easy shelter on your property. This not only provides environments for wildlife, but also shade for homes and yards that will be comfortable and more energy-efficient for people living and recreating on the property.

Count landscape plants to provide a high percentage of biodiversity within each small cell unit. Add additional plants to expand the number and types of species the patch can support. Choose flowers that attract birds, bees and butterflies to the property to limit insect populations naturally.

Build water features to sustain wildlife species within the unit, using natural materials that fit into the general landscape in both scale and aesthetic.

Change structures and natural environments as human functions increase within the area. Monitor biodiversity and green areas within the small unit areas and adjust proportions as needed.

Construct shrub and plant boundaries between human habitation and natural areas to give wildlife a buffer area.