Spotlight on Backyard Habitat Recognition Programs.
The National Wildlife Federation’s “Certified Wildlife Habitat Program” is one of 10 programs that Bird Town Pennsylvania encourages homeowners to consider as they improve their backyard habitats to support birds and wildlife.
Our goal is to engage and encourage all property owners and managers who care about providing good habitat for ecological diversity and a sustainable future. It’s our vision to build and expand green highways of sustenance and safety to counterbalance the tremendous loss of living space for birds, plants, and all native species.
Like many of the programs, the National Wildlife Federation’s program has an application online to complete, checking to see if your yard provides the necessary elements needed to support birds and wildlife including food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainability. You can learn more about these elements here. Note that their website can easily be translated into many different languages by using the little translation box at the very bottom left corner of a page.
Organizations and schools are also encouraged to apply, and the fee is waived.
You can certify your habitat on their website here. By completing their application, you also receive a 1-year subscription to National Wildlife magazine, 10% off on merchandise, plant selection suggestions, a certificate at a cost of $20, membership cards and eligibility for a yard sign at the cost of $30.
Their website provides resources including tip sheets, guides and videos, and activities for children.
Native plants appropriate for PA gardens can be ordered directly from them and delivered to your home.
If you register, we’d love to hear from you, so please send us an email about how it went and the work that you’re doing.
Check back for future posts highlighting other Backyard Habitat Recognition Programs.
Heidi Shiver, Bird Town Pennsylvania President and PA Audubon Council Secretary
Certified Wildlife Habitat sign photo by David Mizejewski, National Wildlife Federation