Would you like to have your or garden certified as a Wildlife Habitat? You can do it! It’s not too complicated to create a welcoming haven for your local wildlife. There is an online application tool at nwf.org that will ask you questions about the elements you are already providing for wildlife and it will help you know what other elements you will need to add before your certification is complete. You can download a checklist that will be very helpful in your progress, and before you know it…you will have a yard or garden filled with activity…birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, lizards, and a huge variety of wildlife (large and small) that will be amazing to watch!

Once your certification is complete, you will be able to purchase an attractive garden sign that will designate your garden as a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation.

Here is a picture of our sign; it’s about 25 years old! Notice it lists the four basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive. We proudly display our sign on our swingdeck. It’s a popular spot to just relax and watch nature!

On the nwf.org site you can view a selection of sign designs. Some are fancy some are more basic.■