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The Huron Expositor, 1997-04-16, Page 25Biodiversity key to life Did you know that by improv- ing habitat for birds, you may also' be helping bees, beetles, bats, and bears? That's right! When you enhance habitat for one species, you help build life support sys- tems for other wild creatures too. You don't have to be an expert to improve habitat. Just remem- ber that biodiversity — or a vari- ety of living things — is the key to well-being for all species. Before you beg a habitat improvement projet t for birds, here are a few importartrtips to keep in mind: - Use a mixture of trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and vines to attract different birds. The robin, for example, often builds its first nest of the year in the dense branches of an evergreen. However, a maple, oak, or leafy bush supplies plenty of cover for the robin's second nest sight. - Provide plants that do double duty as sheltering spots and snack bars. A single shrub, such as hon- eysuckle, black raspberry, or staghorn -sumac, can provide shelter, food and nesting sites for several species of wildlife. - Plant seasonal treats to provide birds and other wild life with a continuous supply of food throughout the year. Prickly American mountain -ash, dog- wood, and Manitoba maple are good sources of fruit and seeds in fall. The most important plant you can provide for wildlife are ones like hawthorn, wild crab- apple, white spruce, and staghorn -sumac, which bear fruits and seeds in winter. Don't forget the water... From page 10 count on water being there. Natural water sources may go dry, become dirty or freeze, but you can always provide a good place for a drink or bath. The birdbath's surface should be rough to provide sure footing. The water container should be fairly shallow. Most garden birds don't like water more than two - three inches deep. Don't make or buy a birdbath that's more than three inches deep, and make sure it has a gradual slope. Ideally, the basin should be 24-36 inches in diameter. It's also a good idea to make a small lip or edge so the birds have some place dry to land or sit. se, Sergeachb�eS PFAFF s Sales & Service (all makes) Dennis & JoAnn Yule Goderich 524-9912 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE -PG. 9 ASHWOO WINDOW AND DOOR CENTRE D & D Glass, your Dashwood Window and Door Centre, is beginning their second year of providing you with finest quality Andersen® Windows and Patio Doors. We thank you for your tremendous acceptance of our new Andersen® line in the first year, and invite you to the Home Show to experience the Andersen® difference. Andersen ... made beautifully, made better.. RIMDEUNG? ODDsARE60001M ANDERSEN HASIliE WA]DChVSXoIJWANC Andersen is able to fit over 6000 openings with readily available, in•stock windows. Choose front Pcrma•Shield" casement, double - hung, awning and gliding windows. Installation is easy. They finish to a neat, completely low -maintenance exterior. CALL D&D GLASS FOR: • Wide selection of Vinyl -clad and wood windows and steel entrance doors ■ Interior and Exterior Wood French Doors ■ All Glass and Mirror work ■ Gadco Garage Doors • Reynolds Siding, Soffit, Fascia • Call for FREE Estimates Come home�� WINDOWS V SALES DOORS SERVICE SIDING INSTALLATION 1st Avenue, VANASTRA 482-7869 TOLL FREE 1-800-524-6616 DASHWOOD WINDOW & DOOR CENTRE 482-5816 PROFESSIONAL SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION