Miniature Sanctuary Activity

Utilize the space in your backyard and create a miniature sanctuary for the smallest wildlife.

What You'll Need:

• Chunk of backyard space
• Rocks
• Old clay pots
• Bricks
• Hunks of wood (the older the better)
• Posterboard
• Pen

How to Make a Miniature Sanctuary:

Step 1: Ask permission to use a sheltered corner of your yard. Don't clear away old sticks and weeds, which give shelter and food to the creatures you want to protect.

Step 2: Place broken clay pots upside down in the shade for snails and toads. Make a small rock pile in the sun for flying insects and small reptiles. Prop up a brick with small flat rocks for insects to inhabit. Set out old wood as homes for beetles and ants.

Step 3: Since many weeds serve as food for butterflies and rodents, pull out big vines like blackberries or large, aggressive shrubs that could take over the space.

Step 4: Once you're done creating your wildlife sanctuary, draw a sign reading, "Mini-wildlife refuge. Come and enjoy." That way, visitors won't clean up the "mess".

For more fun kids crafts and activities, check out:

• Animal Crafts for Kids
• Kids Activities
• Kids Crafts

ABOUT THE CRAFT DESIGNERS

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, Kelly Milner Halls

Miniature Sanctuary by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe, Kelly Milner Halls