Berms and Wildlife — Do They Attract Beneficial Species?

Creating Wildlife-Friendly Berms

Berms, often used in conjunction with swales and rain gardens, can be designed to attract beneficial wildlife by incorporating native plants and minimizing habitat fragmentation. When building a berm, consider using a mix of native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs that provide nectar, pollen, and seeds for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Aim for a mix of 30-40% native plants, with the remainder consisting of grasses and groundcovers that do not compete with the natives for resources.

Incorporating Habitat Features

To create a wildlife-friendly berm, incorporate features that provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for beneficial species. This can include:

• Leaving some areas of the berm unmanicured, allowing native grasses and wildflowers to grow and providing habitat for small mammals and insects.
• Installing rock piles or brush piles, which provide shelter and habitat for reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Incorporating native plants that provide berries, seeds, or nectar for birds and other wildlife.

Designing Berms for Ecosystem Services

When designing a berm, consider the ecosystem services it will provide, including water filtration, soil erosion control, and carbon sequestration. Aim to create a berm that is at least 10-15 feet wide and 6-8 feet tall, with a gentle slope of 1:4 or 1:6. This will allow for effective water filtration and soil erosion control, while also providing habitat for beneficial wildlife. Consider using contour lines to create a series of berms that work together to harvest and filter rainwater.