Anyone can create a welcoming haven for local wildlife. Turning your yard, balcony container garden, schoolyard, work landscape, or roadside greenspace into a Certified Wildlife Habitat® is fun, easy, and can make a lasting difference for wildlife.
Rapid and large-scale changes to our lands and waters mean wildlife are losing the habitats they once knew. Every habitat garden is a step toward replenishing resources for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians—both locally and along migratory corridors. By adding pollinator-friendly and monarch-friendly plants when you certify, your garden also counts toward the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.
When you certify, your $20 application fee supports the National Wildlife Federation's programs to inspire others to make a difference and address the issues leading to declining habitat for wildlife nationwide. A portion of your fee also supports work for local wildlife in select affiliate partner states.
Certified Wildlife Habitat® applicants are asked to confirm they’ve provided the required number of elements for each of the following:
Before applying, download the checklist to ensure you have met all the requirements for your wildlife garden.
When you certify you will become a member of the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ community and receive the following benefits:
Our redesigned Certified Wildlife Habitat® sign incorporates the National Wildlife Federation's new logo, featuring our ambassador Ranger Rick. Only those who have created a wildlife habitat garden and earned Certified Wildlife Habitat® status can post the sign.
There are two ways to receive your sign: