Wildlife in the Arboretum: Preparing for Winter

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, the Trochu Arboretum transforms into a quiet, frosted wonderland. While humans might be tucking in warm sweaters and planning their gardens for next spring, the local wildlife is busy with its own winter preparations. Understanding how animals survive the harsh Alberta winters can help us appreciate the incredible adaptations and rhythms of nature right in our own backyard.

Birds: Migration, Fattening, and Shelter

Many birds leave the Arboretum for warmer climates, but some hardy species stay through the winter. Chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and cardinals rely on dense shrubs, tree cavities, and conifers for shelter. Birds often bulk up by eating seeds, berries, and leftover garden produce, storing fat to survive the cold months.

Tip: Leaving bird feeders stocked with seeds, suet, and fresh water can help birds survive when natural food is scarce.

Mammals: Hiding, Hibernating, and Caching Food

Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and deer all have unique strategies for winter survival:

• Squirrels and chipmunks stash nuts, acorns, and seeds in hidden caches.
• Rabbits and hares grow thicker fur coats and change their feeding habits, relying on bark, twigs, and leftover grasses.
• Deer browse on evergreens and woody shrubs when other food sources disappear.

Some mammals, like groundhogs and certain bats, hibernate, lowering their metabolism and heart rate to conserve energy.

Insects: Dormancy and Overwintering

Even tiny creatures have clever adaptations:

• Ladybugs huddle in leaf litter or tree bark to stay warm.
• Bees cluster tightly in hives, generating heat collectively.
• Many insects overwinter as eggs, pupae, or larvae hidden in soil, tree crevices, or plant stems.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Burrowing and Freezing

Frogs, toads, and snakes often burrow below the frost line in soil, under logs, or in leaf litter. Their bodies go into a state of torpor, slowing metabolism to survive freezing temperatures.

How You Can Help Wildlife in Winter

• Leave fallen leaves, seed heads, and dead stems in garden beds to provide food and shelter.
• Create brush piles or rock piles for small mammals and insects.
• Keep bird feeders filled and check water sources regularly to prevent freezing.
• Plant native shrubs and evergreens that provide berries and cover.

The Trochu Arboretum is not just a sanctuary for plants — it’s a thriving ecosystem where wildlife adapts and survives even the coldest months. Observing these winter strategies can deepen our connection with nature and inspire stewardship of our local environment.