Join the movement of supporting biodiversity with a wildlife haven! Here's how to get your backyard named as Certified Wildlife Habitat.
All gardens cultivate joy, but it’s particularly gratifying to create one that also supports local wildlife. Doing so doesn’t even require a big yard. Small spaces, such as patios and balconies, can easily be transformed into havens for wildlife.
Creating these home habitats is a rising trend, as a growing movement of home gardeners embrace sustainable practices that help birds, amphibians, invertebrates and many other animals. “An ecologically meaningful garden is especially critical in fragmented urban landscapes,” says Mary Phillips, head of the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife and Certified Wildlife Habitat programs. “It connects corridors for birds and pollinators, directly supports the unique species in your area that are facing challenges and creates a balanced ecosystem.”
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Certified Wildlife Habitat Guidelines
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has been a longtime driver of the habitat gardening movement, guiding hundreds of thousands of people through the process. Online tools include a native plant finder and certification programs for homes, businesses, schools and places of worship.
To transform your yard, start with native plants. Aim for a minimum of 70%, including flowers that bloom in various seasons, plus keystone species. A keystone plant is one that has a substantial impact on its local biodiversity by providing food and shelter to a large number of species. Depending on your location, this might include oaks, asters, sunflowers, alders, saguaros and others. As a bonus, native plants are generally easier to maintain, since they’re already adapted to your climate.
To qualify as a habitat, your space needs to have the following features.
- Food: Ideally, try to incorporate a mix of seeds, berries, nectar and leaves. Berry-eating birds might stop by your berry trees, shrubs, or bushes!
- Water: Provide places for bathing, drinking and laying eggs, such as birdbaths, puddling dishes and ponds.
- Cover: Creatures need to shelter from predators, people and weather, such as in shrubs, hollow trees, brush piles and roosting boxes.
- Places to raise young: Offer a variety of elements. This can include nesting trees for birds, ponds for frogs and native host plants such as common milkweed for caterpillars.
The final piece is adopting sustainable gardening practices through conserving water, removing invasive plants and more. One of the most vital for creating a healthy habitat is avoiding pesticides and herbicides, including neonicotinoids.
Proudly Display Your Certification
It’s fairly simple to meet the certified wildlife habitat qualifications. Once you do, you can get a sign or plaque to display in your yard. “That can be a neighborhood inspiration, sparking curiosity and encouraging others to do the same, which creates a ripple effect for wildlife,” Mary says.
Those interested should also note a $25 fee for the application. The fee includes a one-year membership to NWF, among other benefits. In addition, only those who apply have the option to purchase the certified wildlife habitat aluminum plaque ($100), classic sign ($30) or garden flag ($30). Fees are waived for schools.
What Else Can I Do to Help Wildlife?
Beyond NWF, you can also consider joining the Homegrown National Park biodiversity map or a local Audubon chapter. You might volunteer for other community-driven environmental and conservation initiatives, too.
“Getting certified is more than a pat on the back—it’s recognition of the time, care and passion you’ve invested,” Mary says. “It feels good to know your garden is beautiful and meaningful, and that you’re part of a growing movement of habitat heroes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have much space? If you have limited space, go vertical. Native vines on trellises and fences provide cover and food. Window boxes with native flowers help pollinators, and wall-mounted bug hotels give shelter to beneficial insects. “Some certifiers have made entire wildlife gardens on balconies simply by planting native species in containers,” Mary says.
Does wild mean messy? Not necessarily. While habitats can often end up seeming a bit unmanicured, it doesn’t always have to have an unkempt look. For a tidier curb appeal, plant beds with borders and display a Certified Wildlife Habitat sign. This helps neighbors understand that the naturalistic elements of your yard are intentional and contribute to a thriving ecosystem.
About the Expert
Mary Phillips is head of native plant habitat strategy/certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. As an ambassador for nature, she keeps habitat gardening programs flourishing with sustainable practices and ever-evolving scientific knowledge.
