Are you ready to join the tens of thousands of property owners around the country who have put out the welcome mat for wildlife in their backyards, schools, workplaces and elsewhere? Our new and improved online certification process makes it easy to certify your yard or garden space as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site. There are many benefits to certification, including a personalized Certificate of Achievement suitable for framing, a lifetime subscription to the Habitats newsletter, the option for National Wildlife Federation to send a press release to your local newspaper announcing your achievements and a free one-year membership to NWF. Upon certification you will also be eligible to order and post an attractive yard sign to convey to your friends and neighbors your commitment to wildlife conservation and the environment. See a full list of benefits of why you should certify. A Backyard Wildlife Habitat site provides the basic elements wildlife need to survive; food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young. You should also employ sustainable gardening practices that conserve our natural resources. 5 Easy Requirements For Certification: Food - Grow native vegetation like locally native shrubs, trees and other plants that produce acorns, berries and other seeds — to supply food for wildlife. For birds, feeders can supplement natural food sources. Water - Provide a constant, reliable source of water with a birdbath, pond or shallow dish. Most wildlife need water for drinking and bathing. Cover - Create cover for wildlife with densely branched shrubs, hollow logs, rock piles, brush piles, stone walls, evergreens, meadow grasses and deep water. This will protect wildlife against the elements and predators. Places to Raise Young - Offer wildlife safe places for courtship and nurturing young. Mature trees can provide den sites for squirrels and nesting places for birds. Host plants for caterpillars will ensure the presence of butterflies in your habitat. Salamanders, frogs and toads will thrive in a pond or water garden. Sustainable Gardening Practices - The way you garden or manage your landscape impacts wildlife in your yard and your entire neighborhood. Planting natives, reducing chemicals and building healthy soil are just some of the things you can do to help wildlife and conserve natural resources. Certify Your Habitat Ready to take the next step? APPLICATION FOR BACKYARD HABITAT CERTIFICATION