How To Attract Wild Things Into Your Yard

When my parents owned the home I grew up in--and bought, 30 years later--we had a one-acre yard  I despised mowing.
We had trees, but due to the overall lack of natural habitat, we had few birds or small animals--and no deer.
After replacing grass with natural vegetation, we now have a refuge for people, birds--and deer.
If you would like to establish a refuge for yourself--and for wildlife--we have ideas.

Putting out a bird bath or feeder will entice birds and animals to visit your property, but they won't keep them there.  
Having wild things actually live around you--instead of fleeing at the sight of you--requires a bit more commitment.
 Birds and wild animals also need natural habitat that provides food, shelter, and cover in which to nest and rest.

If you want to attract to your yard something as small as a bird, or as big as a deer, start by adding a water feature.
We noticed deer drifting through a wooded property near ours, but they never came in our mowed yard.
When we realized they had to travel nearly a mile to reach the nearest water, we took action.
We used a leftover piece of rubber roofing that created only a 4-foot by 10-foot pond.
We were amazed when deer began stopping to drink the first week we filled it. 
We added vegetation to provide food and cover,  and they stayed longer.
Now they treat our son as if he is a member of their herd.