4 Wildlife Gardens Across the Country

The Certified Wildlife Habitat® program is over 50 years old and remains one of the largest national (and increasingly international) native plant movements. Since 1973, our goal has been to inspire people to plant native and maintain their yards, gardens, and community green spaces to benefit wildlife and people. Today, an estimated seven million people have participated. That includes over 340,000 certified habitats!

We asked you to share your gardens with us, and you didn’t disappoint! Check out these stories and photos from wildlife gardeners across the country.

A Michigan Oasis

“Our yard has been a slow and deliberate change to create an ecofriendly environment for all of nature.  Even small spaces can have a big impact on helping our native species to survive!  The payback is not only the enjoyment of watching the wildlife but also feeling like we are helping to protect plants and animals in these challenging times. As I write this a pair of Mallard ducks just flew in.”

– Gaye

Californian Pollinator Paradise

“I knew I wanted my small patio and garden area filled with California native plants right when I purchased my home. I already knew they were water efficient and wanted to see local wildlife visit.

“I slowly began replacing some of the decorative and invasive plants with natives. I’ve added California Wild rose, poppy, fire sage, indigo sage, lavender, Mexican Elderberry, prickly pear cactus and native lilac. I’ve slowly landscaped for rain collection, using natural stones and other organic materials such as logs, minimizing runoff, flooding and erosion.

“The plants thrive, giving seasonal blooms, but need very little care. Although this has been a five-year ongoing process, I saw healthier soil and increased pollinator presence within the first year. Since then, I’ve been greeted by ever-more diversity in bugs and birds, such as the California bumble bee and the Western Bluebird! This is now my fourth year hosting monarchs, and they just keep coming back, just as the milkweed does.

“I am an important part of my ecosystem, wherever I live. I want my garden to remind me every day. It is also nice that I’m conserving water and saving money, of course.”

– Shara

A Pennsylvania Prairie

“My garden was the reason we purchased our home in 2021. We tell folks we bought a garden and a house came with it! The previous owner had created a garden with many native and medicinally useful plants, and we have built upon those themes since.

“We have practiced a ‘laissez-faire’ approach, allowing more native volunteer plants to grow. We have learned so much by doing this, that we are now expanding our native beds and adding permaculture practices.”

– Barbara

Arizona Desert Garden

“I bought an old home that was neglected in the downtown area of Phoenix. The house only takes up 10% of the property but the property was just a dirt lot when we moved in. Our goal is to bring structure, function, and biodiversity to the place while incorporating natives, with a few exceptions. Not having a lot of money, our garden has progressed from cuttings, seeds and unwanted seedlings. To date we have over 30 species of plants represented, have registered over 40 bird species and the lizard abundance has shot up. Most importantly, we have identified dozens of pollinators that visit in the spring blooms.

“As a wildlife biologist, I know the inherent value of biodiversity to our own health, both physical and mental. But more importantly we need to promote wildlife habitat in urban settings as larger wildlife habitats continue to decrease.”

– Adam

Get Your Garden Certified and Share Your Story!

You can make a difference in your own outdoor space starting today. Even small spaces like balconies and courtyards can have a huge impact.

Get your garden recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat here and share your story with us!