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Rural Farm Life

Wildlife, Conservation & Natural Resources

Wildlife, conservation and natural resources on your land.

Wildlife, conservation and natural resources on your land. Every guide lists its sources and who to ask locally.

  • Living With Wildlife on Rural PropertyLiving with wildlife on rural property means sharing space with deer, birds, coyotes and more. Learn practical…
  • Deer Management on FarmsHow farm owners think about deer: counting pressure, reading damage, mixing tools, and working with state wildlife…
  • Preventing Deer Damage to CropsA practical look at fencing, repellents, crop choices and timing to protect fields, orchards and gardens from deer…
  • Wild Turkey ManagementUnderstand wild turkey habitat needs, how farm practices help or hurt them, and who to ask about hunting rules, crop…
  • Managing Rabbit DamageLearn to confirm rabbit damage, protect gardens and young trees with barriers and habitat changes, and check local…
  • Rodent Control on FarmsA calm, practical approach to mice and rats around barns, feed and homes: sanitation, exclusion, safe handling and…
  • Predator Management BasicsA grounded guide to protecting livestock and poultry from predators through housing, fencing, guardians and records…
  • Living With CoyotesWhat to know about coyotes on rural land: behavior, protecting pets and livestock, avoiding conflict, and where to…
  • Bear Safety and PreventionHow to reduce bear encounters around homes and farms by securing food, managing livestock and knowing who to call…
  • Mountain Lion AwarenessLearn how mountain lions behave, how to reduce risk for family and animals, and where to get regional guidance from…
  • Feral Hog ManagementUnderstand why feral hogs spread, what damage they cause, and the control options, rules and agency help to ask about…
  • Snake Identification and SafetyLearn how to identify local snakes with reliable resources, reduce encounters around homes and barns, and what to do…
  • Bat Conservation and BenefitsWhy bats matter on farms, how to support them with roosts and habitat, and how to deal with bats near homes safely and…
  • Bird Habitat on FarmsSimple ways to give birds food, water, nesting cover and safe space on a working farm, and who can help with planning…
  • Pollinator Habitat CreationHow to plant and manage flowers, nesting spots and safe practices for bees and other pollinators on farms, with notes…
  • Native Plant LandscapingWhy native plants suit rural homes and farms, how to choose and establish them, and where to find regional plant lists…
  • Prairie Restoration BasicsWhat restoring a prairie involves: site prep, native seed, patient weed control, fire and mowing questions, and who…
  • Woodland Management BasicsA beginner's look at caring for a rural woodlot: setting goals, getting a forester's advice, protecting soil and…
  • Timber Stand ImprovementHow thinning, weeding and selective cutting can improve the health and value of a woodlot, and why professional…
  • Tree Planting and CareA practical guide to choosing, planting and protecting trees on a rural property, with tips on timing, site, watering…
  • Windbreak Design and SpeciesHow windbreaks protect homes, livestock and fields, how to plan rows, spacing and species, and where to find advice…
  • Riparian Buffer ManagementHow strips of trees, shrubs and grass along streams protect water and habitat, how to plan and maintain them, and…
  • Stream and Creek CareHow landowners can look after a creek running through their property: reading its health, preventing erosion, handling…
  • Pond Ecology and ManagementHow a farm pond works as a living system, what affects water quality and wildlife, and the habits and experts that…
  • Aquatic Weed ControlLearn why aquatic weeds take over ponds, which control methods exist, and why identification, permits and professional…
  • Fish Stocking BasicsWhat to understand before stocking a farm pond: goals, state permits, balance, water conditions, and where to get…
  • Wetland Conservation on FarmsA plain guide to wetlands on farms: what they do, why landowners keep or restore them, and who to ask about rules and…
  • Grassland Bird HabitatHow grassland birds use farm fields and pastures, and the mowing, grazing and planting choices that help them nest and…
  • Prescribed Burning BasicsPrescribed burning basics for rural landowners: why fire is used, the planning it takes, legal limits, and who to hire…
  • Invasive Species IdentificationLearn to identify invasive plants and animals on rural land, how to document them, and where to report or get help…
  • Invasive Plant Control MethodsInvasive plant control methods for small acreage: mowing, grazing, pulling, targeted herbicide and follow-up, with who…
  • Brush ManagementBrush management on rural land: why woody plants spread, the tools for clearing them, and how to plan so the work…
  • Fence Line Habitat ManagementFence line habitat management: how to keep field edges useful for birds and pollinators without losing a tidy, working…
  • Hedgerows and Wildlife CorridorsHedgerows and wildlife corridors on farms: what they are, how to plant and manage them, and how they help birds…
  • Food Plots for WildlifeFood plots for wildlife explained: what they are, how to plan one, what to ask about seed and rules, and when habitat…
  • Wildlife-Friendly FencingWildlife-friendly fencing: how fence design affects deer, birds and small animals, and how to keep livestock in…
  • Conservation Easements for LandownersConservation easements for landowners: what they are, how they affect your land and family, and which questions to ask…
  • USDA Conservation Programs OverviewUSDA conservation programs overview: the main types of help for landowners, how to approach your local office, and…
  • Cost-Share for Wildlife HabitatCost-share for wildlife habitat: how it works, where to ask, what paperwork to expect, and the traps that cost…
  • Hunting and Land ManagementHunting and land management: how hunting fits with habitat, safety, neighbors and legal duties for rural landowners…
  • Wildlife Photography on Rural LandWildlife photography on rural land: how to observe animals without harming them, stay safe, respect property lines and…
  • Birdwatching on FarmsBirdwatching on farms: how to start, what to look for through the seasons, how to keep birds safe and where to share…
  • Citizen Science Projects for Rural ResidentsCitizen science projects for rural residents: how ordinary people contribute data, what to expect, how to choose a…
  • Managing Wildlife Around LivestockManaging wildlife around livestock: how to reduce predator losses, feed theft and disease contact, and who to call for…
  • Protecting Poultry From PredatorsProtecting poultry from predators: coop security concepts, daily routines and what to do after a loss, with who to ask…
  • Wildlife Disease AwarenessWildlife disease awareness for rural families: how diseases spread, signs to watch for, safe habits and where to…
  • Rabies Prevention and ResponseRabies prevention and response for rural families: what the disease is, how to lower risk, and what to do right away…
  • Coexisting With BeaversCoexisting with beavers on rural land: how they change water, what problems they cause, humane options and who to call…
  • Annual Wildlife and Conservation ReviewAn annual wildlife and conservation review for your rural property: a seasonal checklist, what to record and how to…
  • Building a Property Conservation PlanBuilding a property conservation plan for rural land: define goals, inventory resources, choose practices and find…