Croplands are in many cases the heart of a farm, for economic reasons. The soul of a farm more often comes from its woodlands, its wetlands, its wildlife, and its open spaces.

All of America's ducks and geese depend on wetlands for breeding, nesting, and feeding habitat. More than 5,000 plant species, 190 species of amphibians, and one-third of all native bird species are supported by wetlands.
* The ecological diversity of wetlands can offer one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing features of a farm.
* Wetlands can provide natural pollution control. They remove nutrients, pesticides and bacteria from surface waters.
* Created wetlands have been used as efficient, low cost waste treatment practices.
* Wetlands filter and collect sediment from runoff water.
* Many wetlands store runoff water, they reduce both streambank erosion and flooding downstream.
* Goose nests, wood duck boxes, and other protection for waterfowl and habitat for adjoining uplands may be added to enhance the wildlife and recreational value of a wetland.

Woodlands may be managed for timber production or for wildlife, or both. Optimum tree populations are determined by the kinds of trees planted and their adaptability to your soils. Existing trees or newly planted trees are thinned, pruned and harvested to maintain desired production. Twigs, limbs and other debris are left on the surface to help maintain ground cover, reduce soil erosion and provide wildlife habitat. As trees mature and are harvested, establish new plantings. As you plan ahead for well-managed woodlands that add beauty and income to the farm, consider:
* Know your timber markets.
* Plant trees that are suitable to your soils.
* Cut undesirable trees and shrubs that are competing with desired species for sunlight and moisture.
* Thin stands to maintain growth and vigor.
* Maintain diversity. Do not cut vines unless absolutely necessary-vines provide valuable food and cover for wildlife.

What Does Wildlife Need?
From mammals to birds and reptiles to amphibians and fish, wildlife benefit from the same economical practices used on small farms and ranches to improve soil and water. As a matter of fact, the presence of wildlife is an indicator of healthy land and water. All wildlife species need habitat, along with adequate space, to survive.
Food - Most species have specific plant or animal food preferences, while others consume a wide variety of food items.
Cover - Physical structure, provided mostly by vegetation, provides the necessary places for wildlife to feed, rest, breed, nest, rear young, avoid predators, and regulate body temperature.
Water - Access to water in some form is necessary to sustain life. Many wildlife species need free water access throughout all seasons of the year, while fish and other aquatic species need water of sufficient quality and quantity.

Where Does Wildlife Fit?
There is room for wildlife on every farm and ranch. How you manage land directly affects what wildlife uses it and the quality of the habitat it provides. Keeping food, cover and water needs for wildlife in mind, heavily cropped land can be managed and conserved in a way to maximize wildlife habitat. At the same time, some areas provide exceptional opportunities to improve wildlife habitat on your farm or ranch.

Tips For More Wildlife
On Grasses Areas:
* Plant and manage for a diversity of native plants that produce fruits and seeds.
* Increase the variety of vegetation on your property-it supports wildlife diversity.
* Make conservation buffers as wide as practical.
* Use native plants adapted to the local climate.
* Use buffers to provide travel lanes that connect patches of forest or other habitats.
* Mimic natural disturbance patterns with particles such as periodic light disking, mowing, grazing, or burning were compatible.

On Woodlands:
* Maximize the number of vertical "layers" by encouraging a diversity of low-growing plants, shrubs, young trees, and mature trees throughout the forest.
* Leave standing dead trees to provide nesting and feeding sites for woodpeckers and other wildlife.
* Encourage trees that produce fruits and nuts such as oak and cherry trees to provide wildlife food.
* Build brush piles for wildlife cover.

In Wetlands:
* Restore natural wetland plants and water conditions to the extent possible.
* Establish wide vegetated buffers between wetlands and cropped areas for waterfowl nesting habitat. Do the same for farm ponds.
* Erect houses for wood ducks, bluebirds, bats and other wildlife.

Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture