National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Habitat Program

Certifying Wildlife-Friendly Gardens Since 1973

The Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program helps birds and other creatures losing habitat to urban sprawl by encouraging habitat development in home gardens. Over 33,000 habitats certified—from urban balconies to thousand-acre plots. Residential, school, and workplace landscapes qualify; entire communities can participate. Alpine, California, became the first community certified.

How to Certify Your Garden

Order the Wildlife Habitat Planning Guide for Backyards and Beyond ($14.95) from NWF. Request an application by mail or download online. Include with application: snapshots of the garden, common names of plants and animals, and wildlife food/water sources per season.