Late summer or early fall is a great time to visit the woods or countryside to see wildlife. But you don't have to go on a long trip to see nature. There are ways to encourage it right in your own back yard.

Maybe you're already feeding the birds. If not, put up a feederAdd a birdbath or saucer filled with water, changing the water often so it's always fresh. Maybe your family could build a water garden or pond and stock it with fish, aquatic plants, tadpoles or frogs and snails.

Whenever you make water available, insects, birds and othecreatures will come visit.

You also can lure nature into your yard by planting certain kindof trees and shrubs. Animals can live in them, and many of these trees have fruits that animals like to eat. Or find out which flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Then plant the flowers you like best and watch the airborne traffic!

These and other activities are described in a free 28-pagbooklet called "Backyard Conservation." To get a copy, ask an adult to call 1-888-LANDCARE. Also ask for a fun pack. It has games, a comic book, a poster and a family fun guidebook about nature activities.

The booklet and fun pack are part of a joint project of the U.SDepartment of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Association of Conservation Districts and the Wildlife Habitat Council. The project's goal is to make back yards a "friendlier place for nature."

- Marty Hair

Yak Yuks

What do you get when you cross a cat with a lemon?

A sour puss.

Jennie: It's really raining cats and dogs!

Janie: I know - I just stepped in a poodle!

Why does a golfer wear two pairs of socks?

In case he gets a hole in one.

Pub Date: 8/24/98