ith more than 1,200 kinds of animals, Florida ranks third in the nation in wildlife diversity.  Providing adequate food, water and shelter can increase the number and variety of species that live in your yard. . Butterflies add beauty to our  yards and pollinate plants. Protect butterfly larvae and  provide them the plant food  they need. Frogs help keep mosquitoes and  other unwanted insects under  control.  They also serenade us  at night, especially after a good  rain.		. FLORIDA YARD ACTIONS Plant vines, shrubs and trees that provide cover, nesting areas, or food for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.  . Provide a water source, such as a bird bath or a small pond, for wildlife.  . Provide wildlife shelters such as a bat house, bird house, brush pile or a dead tree.  . Identify five kinds of wildlife critters (insects, reptiles, animals, birds, etc.) that live in your yard. .
		Aquascaping for You and Wildlife
		. Even small backyard ponds are beneficial to wildlife.  A balanced system including fish and plants won't need a pump or filters (as long as you don't feed the fish). Flexible PVC or rubber liners allow you to create the pond shape you want.  Create a 9-inch wide shelf, about 9 to 12 inches below the water line, for potted aquatic plants.  Walls should have a 20 degree slope. Preformed ponds are usually rugged, made of fiberglass or PVC.   They can be placed above or below the ground.