956 PB 479 A WILDLIFE HABITAT IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA BOTANICALGARDEN

Abstract

America's rejuvenated interest in environmentalism provides landscape designers an excellent opportunity to integrate natural wildlife habitats within the landscape. Due to urbanization and rapid development, niches for many animals are being destroyed. Too often we rely on our state and national parks to replace what is lost, when we really should begin In our own backyards. In conjunction with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, the South Carolina State Botanical Garden has initiated a program that will create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. The purpose of my project is to create a garden with ornamental and native flora to attract local fauna, while educating botanical garden visitors to concepts that they can apply In their own back yards, neighborhoods, schools. and communities. My presentation will outline the goals, methodology, and results of the project. In addition, I will discuss the concepts that make a site a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.