Many of us will go out to sea or row our boats on lakes this summer for some outdoor fun. But even with the very best of intentions, trash and litter can fly from our boats and end up in the water. When you do hit the water, be sure to stow all your trash and fishing supplies securely on the boat. Designate one trash bag for refuse, and tie it to a secure fixture on the boat; make it the spot for all trash. When it's not in use, pull the drawstring to create a tight closure, and reopen it only to deposit trash. When you dock, open the bag to sort recyclables, and dispose of the trash properly.

Warmer months means creating backyard landscapes with larger plants like bushes and trees. When picking new plants from the garden center, consider evergreen plants. Not only do they keep their beautiful green color all year round, they are favored by wildlife for myriad reasons: The evergreen branches provide cover for small animals in addition to giving shelter during the cold winter months. And many evergreens provide nourishment like berries, pinecones, seeds, needles and even sticky sap for wild birds and mammals.

Having an in-ground swimming pool involves a lot of maintenance and responsibility, and it also can be a death trap for wild animals that accidentally get into the water and have no means to escape. One way to help small critters like frogs get to safety is to install a buoyant water-exit device. It's sloped on the sides and lets them leap, hop or climb their way to freedom. If you do find a wild animal in the pool, the Humane Society of the United States recommends using a skimmer to help lift it out, then release it back into the wild.