How to Turn Your Yard Into a Wildlife Habitat

The National Wildlife Federation administers the Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, which is designed to encourage home owners to create landscapes friendly to both wildlife and the environment. The four elements necessary for a Backyard Wildlife Habitat are food sources, water, cover and places to raise young.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovels
• Shrubs
• Trees
• Food
• Shovels
• Shrubs

1. Buy a Backyard Wildlife Habitat information kit at a Wild Birds Unlimited store, or order from the National Wildlife Federation's Web site.

2. Survey your property to see which of the four habitat elements listed above are already present.

3. Follow the National Wildlife Federation's suggestions for enhancing your habitat, if needed.

4. Apply for certification when you feel your yard qualifies as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by filling out a two-page questionnaire and including a rough landscape diagram of your yard and a $15 program enrollment fee.

5. Expect that a certificate designating your property as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat will be sent to you within eight weeks if your application is accepted.

Tips & Warnings

• The National Wildlife Federation also helps schools, businesses and community groups create wildlife-friendly habitats.
• Backyard Wildlife Habitats attract insects, mammals, reptiles, fish, snakes and amphibians as well as birds.
• Discuss your wildlife habitat plans with neighbors, who may not be in favor of a yard that attracts so many creatures to the neighborhood.
• Adding trees, shrubs and other improvements to your landscaping can be expensive.

[technicalbuzz]

on 6/10/2009 This is such a great way to bring nature closer to home! Thanks for the info! 5*'s

[LilacGirl]

on 1/25/2009 This is great information! Thanks.

[wytetyger059]

on 9/30/2008 My yard is certified by the NWF as well. We have deer, bear, possums, frogs, raccoons, and groundhogs. We also have an acre, largely wooded. It's a great program.

[CLWeld]

on 9/19/2008 My yard is also certified by the NWF. The project can be as simple or as complicated as you like! I started with a small pond, bird houses, and a few inexpensive shrubs. A few years later, we now have three ponds, three water bubblers (which the birds love!), feeders, a small stream, and wildlife-attracting perennials and annuals, all in a 44' wide, 144' long property. If you have kids, a little homemade bubbler (which solves the fear of drowning and ponds for the little ones) with some plants and shrubs is a great weekend project. We have been delighted to watch frogs, turtles, a wide variety of birds and, yes, a few snakes, visit our little oasis. It's worth the time!

[kcwriter]

on 8/15/2007 My backyard is certified by the NWF. I found that I already had some elements with a tree line. Then I simply added some bird baths, native plants to my yard gradually (they can be expensive), and a brush pile. Viola! Nice article.