Have you always heard the term "naturescaping" but never quite knew what it was?

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, in cooperation with several dedicated master gardeners was one of the first to coin the term "naturescaping." Their new website will help you get started to encourage beneficial insects into your yard which will in turn replenish your landscape.

Naturescaping provides habitat for native plants and animals and allows people to enter into a landscaping partnership with nature. A Naturescaped landscape eases yard maintenance, recreates vital ecosystems that provide clean water to local watersheds and protects wildlife from becoming threatened or endangered.

Naturescaping benefits both people and wildlife:

• Human Benefits
  Saves money
  Conserves water
  Minimizes pesticide and fertilizer use
  Reduces maintenance time

• Wildlife Benefits
  Promotes native species
  Provides habitat for animals
  Maintains diversity
  Fights invasive species

Naturescaping promotes four principles of effective habitat creation:

• Allocate space where animals can live.
• Plant a variety of native vegetation to provide food and shelter.
• Provide cover to protect animals and their young from predators and inclement weather.
• Maintain water sources for drinking and bathing.