For those of you wanting to commit further to helping the ecosystem, consider certifying your garden as a haven for wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation offers a simple checklist to help you ensure your space meets the requirements for certification. In brief, the requirements are:
- 3 types of food plants or supplemental feeders (i.e. seeds, berries, nectar, foliage, fruits, suet, nuts)
- 1 water source (birdbath, lake, stream, ocean, rain garden, pond, etc)
- 2 “covers” (i.e. wooded area, bramble patch, ground cover, cave, evergreens, burrow, pond)
- 2 places for mating/raising young (mature trees, meadow, nesting box, burrow, thicket, caterpillar host plants)
- 2 categories of sustainable practices (soil/water conservation, IPM, organic practices)
If you have these elements, you’re eligible for certification. A $20 processing fee goes towards the garden sign as well as NWF programming and local initiatives. Easily apply online when your garden is ready.
The following benefits of Wildlife Certification can also be found on the NWF website:
- Personalized certificate
- A one-year membership in the National Wildlife Federation and subscription to National Wildlife® magazine
- 10% off the National Wildlife Federation catalog merchandise, including nesting boxes, feeders, birdbaths, and other items to enhance your wildlife garden
- Subscription to monthly Garden for Wildlife e-newsletter with gardening tips, wildlife stories, and other resources
- Exclusive option to purchase attractive garden signs designating your garden as a Certified Wildlife Habitat® with the National Wildlife Federation