Building a 2-Acre Wildlife Orchard for Deer & Turkeys | Tom's Habitat Project 2026

What happens when you combine fruit trees, mast-producing species, native pollinator habitat, and wildlife shrubs into one strategic planting? In this video, Tom walks us through his newest habitat improvement project on his farm in Indiana—a 2-acre wildlife orchard designed to provide year-round benefits for deer, turkeys, and other wildlife. The orchard includes 60 fruit and mast-producing trees, native pollinator plantings, and a variety of wildlife-friendly shrubs that are already attracting deer every evening. We’ll discuss: Planning and planting a wildlife orchard Chestnuts, apples, pears, and persimmons Native pollinator habitat benefits Elderberry, dogwood, and other wildlife shrubs Tree spacing and orchard layout Improving deer and turkey habitat Establishing native plant communities Turkey brood habitat and nesting cover Long-term habitat management strategies This project was a lot of work, but wildlife are already using the area and that makes it worth every minute. This 2 acres will be an awesome addition to the Project 17 piece that lays just adjacent.