The National Wildlife Federation has a program that enables you to certify your backyard (or other garden space) as appropriate habitat for local wildlife. The certification process is simple and can be done either online or by mail. There is a small fee required ($15) which goes to the National Wildlife Federation.

If you wish, after your yard passes certification, you can order a small display sign that will show your commitment to wildlife conservation and also let your neighbors know about the certification program and the NWF.

The NWF website has some terrific resources that can help you optimize your yard to be welcoming to wildlife. As they describe in detail on their website, the key ingredients to a successful wildlife garden include:

• availability of appropriate food sources
• water sources
• cover and habitat for nesting and raising young
• sustainable gardening and non-toxic weed control

Browse the links below to find out more about how you can make your yard supportive of local wildlife.

Find out more:

• Gardening with Wildlife in Mind
• Why Garden for Wildlife? (NWF)
• Food Sources (NWF)
• Water Sources (NWF)
• Places for Cover (NWF)
• Gardening in an Environmentally Friendly Way (NWF)
• Certify Your Habitat (NWF)

Photo © Andrew Howe / iStockphoto.