This program was initiated in 1985 to help homeowners improve their backyards for wildlife. Kansas is an urban state with about 80 percent of the people living in or near large cities. These people share a common interest — they enjoy watching wildlife. Surveys show a large majority of Kansans annually participate in wildlife watching activities. Many people have developed their backyards or other associated areas for attracting wildlife to help satisfy this desire. This may be as easy as adding a few select shrubs and a watering area or it might be as complex as establishing native prairie, trees, shrubs and a small pond. The possibilities are as numerous as the number of backyards and other areas in cities and towns throughout Kansas.