Minnesota’s weather can be harsh during the winter months. When temperatures dip below zero with wind chills reaching minus 30 degrees, one wonders how any animal can survive in these seemingly intolerable conditions.

Conservation lands with native grasses and forbs can provide protection to wildlife during below average snow years. As snow cover increases, wetlands with cattail landscapes, woodlands, windbreaks and river bottoms provide the next level of thermal cover for overwintering wildlife.

Establishing good winter habitat for wildlife is often neglected until there is a devastating winter blizzard or ice storm, when it is too late to help wildlife populations. When spring weather melts the snow drifts and landscapes become green, it is easy to again forget to make appropriate winter habitat available for wildlife to survive the next winter.

Landowners can start planning now to establish winter habitat for resident wildlife such as pheasants and deer. This is a great opportunity to partner landowners, hunters, conservation clubs, agencies, and other wildlife enthusiasts. Visit z.umn.edu/pheasants to review possible shrub and conifer plantings that could benefit pheasants and other grassland-dependent wildlife in future severe winter conditions. Information on managing woodlands for deer can be found at z.umn.edu/deer.

Remember, without a reliable food source, even the best winter cover cannot support wildlife in a severe winter. Be sure to include appropriate food sources in your planning to make your land a haven to wildlife year-round.

Gary Wyatt

Gary Wyatt is an Extension educator with a focus on agroforestry and bio-energy. Gary works with federal and state agency partners in promoting conservation and agroforestry practices in rural landscapes. Other topics of expertise include invasive species, tree selection, living snow fences, nontimber forest products, riparian buffers, windbreaks and ecosystem services. Gary is based at the Mankato Regional Office.