HARRISBURG — Landowners interested in developing backyard habitats beneficial to wildlife can check out the book “Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania” from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Written by Marcus Schneck, an outdoor and nature writer from Hamburg, Berks County, the 160-page book comes with descriptions, drawings and photographs of the ideal habitat for a variety of species, from hummingbirds to bats, as well as construction plans for a number of wildlife nesting boxes.

The book also contains a chapter on nuisance wildlife and steps to address certain situations, as well as the importance of planting native species and a listing of recommended plants.

Carl Roe, game commission executive director, said, “If you are interested in seeing and helping wildlife on your property, then this book is a must.

“It can help guide any first-time backyard habitat planner, as well as an experienced hand, in helping to create an oasis for wildlife.”

To order the book, which costs $9.43, visit the Game Commission’s website www.pgc.state.pa.us, put the cursor over General Store in the menu bar at the top of the home page and click on

Visit the Outdoor Shop in the drop down menu. Then choose Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop in the lower left-hand corner, choose Merchandise from the banner listing and click on Books in the categories in the left-hand column.

Orders also are being accepted at 888-888-3459.