Get Our New Book: Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife

We’re excited to announce the publication of our wildlife habitat gardening how-to book Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition. Written by TV host and naturalist David Mizejewski, the book is a practical guide to natural gardening and is filled with illustrated projects, plant lists and over 200 brand new full-color photos to inspire both experienced gardeners and new enthusiasts alike.

Since its original publication in 2004, the book has been a seminal part of the National Wildlife Federation’s signature Garden for Wildlife™ program. It was the inspiration for the Animal Planet series Backyard Habitat and was the recipient of the Independent Book Publishers Association’s Benjamin Franklin Award. For over 45 years the Garden for Wildlife program has inspired people to create gardens and landscapes with native plants that provide natural sources of food, water, cover, and places to raise young.

One of the biggest benefits of gardening with native plants is that it’s great for wildlife. “Creating a wildlife habitat garden is an important way each of us can think globally, act locally and re-connect our own piece of the Earth — our yards and gardens — back into the ecosystem,” said Mizejewski,  “The reward is seeing colorful songbirds, beautiful butterflies, pollinating bees and many other fascinating and wonderful species right outside your door and knowing you’re making a difference.”

“Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition” contains everything you need to know to create a thriving wildlife habitat garden.

Much has changed in the fifteen years since the book’s first publication, and the need to restore wildlife habitat in our cities, towns and neighborhoods is greater than ever. The monarch butterfly population has plummeted, as have populations of many native bees, including the once-common rusty-patched bumble bee, now listed as an endangered species. New classes of pesticides such as neonicotinoids have emerged, posing risk to wildlife. Many songbirds and amphibian species continue to decline. Today, we face an unprecedented wildlife crisis, with one-third of American species at greater risk of extinction in the coming decades.

Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition addresses all of these issues and more. It includes updated native plant lists based on new science, new profiles of “backyard wildlife” species complete with information on how to provide a natural habitat for them, and in-depth garden design ideas.

“David’s superb revision brings us up to date on the most effective ways to enhance our local ecosystems by using the beautiful native plants our birds and bees depend on,” said renowned author and native plant gardening expert Dr. Doug Tallamy.

The Expanded Second Edition includes the latest information on helping declining monarch butterflies, songbirds and bees, with lists of the best native plants to attract them to your garden.

Get the Book

Here are a few ways to purchase Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition

Local Booksellers: Look for the book at your local bookstore, garden center, botanic garden shop or any other place that sells garden and wildlife books. If it’s not on the shelves, ask them to order it for you. Retailers: Order a supply of books at wholesale from Fox Chapel Publishing by emailing sales@foxchapelpublishing.com.

Amazon: Get the book on Amazon and take advantage of the deep discounts they offer. Order here.

Barnes and Noble: The book is on the shelves at Barnes and Noble bookstores around the country. You can also order it on their website here.

National Wildlife Catalog: Get a copy signed by the author directly from the National Wildlife Federation here.

No matter where you purchase the book, all sales support the wildlife conservation programs of the National Wildlife Federation.

Book the Author To Speak

Naturalist David Mizejewski.

Author David Mizejewski is available to speak at your local birding and gardening festivals, conferences and corporate events. You can learn more about David, watch some of his recent TV appearances and submit a booking request here.