Homeowners looking to create more bird-friendly landscapes will have an opportunity to learn how native plants and thoughtful yard design can support local wildlife during an upcoming educational program hosted by the Door County Master Gardeners Association.

The Door County Master Gardeners Education Series will present “WILD-scaping for Birds” on Tuesday, May 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Collins Learning Center at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones – Door Peninsula and is free and open to the public.

Speaker Coggin Heeringa said many people focus on bird feeders and bird houses when trying to attract wildlife, but landscaping choices can have a much greater long-term impact.

“Birds need much more than feeders to thrive,” Heeringa said. “By planting native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, homeowners can provide food, shelter and nesting habitat throughout the year.”

During the presentation, Heeringa will discuss the seasonal needs of birds and explain how layered landscaping and native plantings can help create sustainable habitats for birds and other wildlife species.

“Even small changes in a yard can make a meaningful difference for migrating and resident birds,” Heeringa said. “When we landscape with native plants, we are helping rebuild the natural ecosystems that wildlife depends on.”

Heeringa serves as co-chair of the education committee for the Door County Master Gardeners Association and president of the Door Peninsula chapter of Wild Ones. She and her husband maintain bird feeders year-round while also supporting wildlife with native plantings on their property.