Want to help local wildlife and protect ecosystems? Certify your outdoor space as a wildlife habitat. Here's what you need to know:
- What It Is: A Certified Wildlife Habitat is a space that provides food, water, shelter, and places to raise young for wildlife.
- Why It Matters: Wildlife populations are declining - North American birds have dropped by 30% since 1970. Certified habitats help reverse these trends.
- How to Qualify:
- Food: Provide 3 sources like seeds, berries, or nectar.
- Water: Add 1 water source such as a birdbath or pond.
- Shelter: Include 2 options like shrubs or brush piles.
- Places to Raise Young: Offer 2 spaces such as trees or nesting boxes.
- Use eco-friendly gardening: native plants, avoid chemicals, and remove invasive species.
Certification Process
- Document Your Habitat: Take photos and gather details.
- Apply Online: Submit your application and pay a fee (e.g., $20 for National Wildlife Federation).
- Get Approved: Processing takes 2-8 weeks depending on the program.
Results
Certified habitats increase local biodiversity, support pollinators, and even boost property value. Small spaces (as little as 50 sq. ft.) can make a difference.
Ready to start? Follow these steps to create a sustainable, wildlife-friendly space today.
Creating National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat
Certification Requirements
To meet the certification criteria, property owners must focus on specific habitat features and eco-friendly gardening practices. Here's what needs to be in place.
4 Must-Have Habitat Features
| Required Element | Minimum Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Food Sources | 3 different types | Native berries, seeds, nectar plants |
| Water Sources | 1 reliable source | Bird bath, pond, rain garden |
| Shelter Options | 2 different types | Dense shrubs, brush piles, mature trees |
| Places to Raise Young | 2 different spaces | Trees, nesting boxes, host plants |
Incorporating plant variety and layered vegetation helps mimic natural environments. For instance, you can place bird baths at both ground level and elevated spots to accommodate different species.
Natural Gardening Methods
In addition to the core habitat features, certification also requires using eco-friendly gardening methods. At least two of the following practices must be applied [8][9][3]:
- Native Plant Requirements: Ensure that at least half of your plants are native species [8]. These plants are well-suited to local conditions and provide essential food and shelter for native wildlife.
- Chemical-Free Maintenance: Avoid or drastically reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, opt for composting yard waste, using mulch to retain moisture, installing drip irrigation systems, and collecting rainwater.
- Invasive Species Management: Remove invasive plants that disrupt local ecosystems. Common examples to tackle include English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Purple Loosestrife [8][9][3].
How to Get Certified
Ready to certify your wildlife-friendly space? Here's how to make it official:
Application Process
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has a simple online system to guide you through.
- Document Your Habitat: Take photos of key features (requirements vary by program). Most programs rely on the honor system rather than strict documentation[4].
- Fill Out the Application: Head to the certifying organization's website and explain how your space meets the criteria.
- Pay the Fee: Submit the required certification payment.
- Wait for Approval: Processing typically takes 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the program[7].
Available Certification Options
There are several programs to choose from, each with its own focus and requirements:
| Program | Focus | Cost | Processing Time | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Wildlife Federation | General wildlife | $20 | 2-4 weeks | Honor system-based[4] |
| Monarch Watch | Monarch butterflies | $16 | 3-6 weeks | Requires 2+ milkweed species[4] |
| North American Butterfly Association | Butterflies | $15 | 4-8 weeks | Butterfly-friendly plants required[4] |
Certified properties can proudly display habitat signs specific to the program.
Even if you have a small space, you can still make a difference. Many programs accept properties as small as 50 square feet[10], and local Audubon chapters often have regional programs tailored to your area[7].
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Results of Certification
Effects on Local Wildlife
Certified habitats bring noticeable changes to local ecosystems. For instance, bird species diversity can increase by up to 50% compared to traditional landscaping [1], and these spaces support three times more bird species than non-certified areas [3].
Other wildlife groups also benefit significantly:
| Wildlife Group | Key Benefit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pollinators | Greater variety of species | Improved fruit production |
| Birds | More diverse species | Higher nesting success rates |
| Aquatic Life | Cleaner water | Reduced surface runoff |
Benefits for Property Owners
Property owners gain more than just ecological perks from certification. Certified habitats can boost property values and lower maintenance costs, as native plants typically need less water and upkeep.
Some areas even offer extra incentives, such as:
- Property tax reductions for certified habitats [7]
- Lower water bills thanks to efficient landscaping practices
These spaces also contribute to the environment. Certified habitats can help cool urban areas, reducing temperatures by 2-4°F [11].
Services like Thrive Lot provide expert designs tailored to meet certification standards, ensuring owners get the most out of their habitats.
Getting Help with Certification
Professional Design Services
If you're looking for expert help after reviewing the certification requirements, professional services can make the process easier. Ecological landscapers can evaluate your property and design environments that attract and support wildlife. These professionals often work with native plant nurseries to ensure the right plants are chosen and maintained without harmful chemicals, aligning with certification standards.
Local landscape architects and ecological designers can also offer expertise in native plants and eco-friendly practices. They can help you source the right vegetation to create thriving habitats.
Community Resources
For those taking a DIY route, local organizations can provide helpful tools and advice to meet key habitat requirements:
- Audubon Society Chapters: Offer site evaluations.
- Master Gardener Programs: Provide plant selection guides.
- Extension Offices: Offer consultations tailored to your region.
- Native Plant Societies: Host workshops to build your knowledge.
The NWF's Garden for Wildlife™ mobile app is another great tool, offering habitat design guidance, while their online database provides detailed information about native plants specific to your area [5].
Additionally, conservation groups often host community planting events and work with nurseries to offer discounted native plants, making it easier to create your habitat [6].
Next Steps
Evaluate your property using the National Wildlife Federation's guidelines. Take note of existing features that support wildlife and pinpoint areas where improvements are needed [5][2].
Develop a plan to address the four key habitat elements. Start small with easy actions, like setting up a birdbath for water or planting native flowers to attract pollinators.
When your habitat meets the certification criteria, follow these final steps:
- Assess and document your property.
- Add essential habitat features like a water source and native plants.
- Implement eco-friendly practices to meet the remaining requirements.
- Submit your application.
The National Wildlife Federation highlights that certified habitats have restored over 1.5 million acres of wildlife-friendly spaces [2], with over 230,000 properties certified nationwide [4]. These efforts not only boost biodiversity but also create opportunities for community education.
Prioritize native plants and avoid chemicals to establish a sustainable, low-maintenance habitat that benefits local ecosystems.
