Certified Wildlife Habitat

A bright yellow bird perches on a yellow flower.

Five Simple Ways to Create Habitat this Fall

The idea of “gardening for wildlife” evokes images of beautiful, blossom-filled gardens teaming with colorful birds and butterflies. But did you know that fall is the best time to plant … Read more

A long-horned bee (Melissodes spp.) feeds at a cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia lanciniata) cultivar in a garden in Nebraska.

Creating a Bee Garden

Bees are incredibly important wildlife. Yes, insects are wildlife–and they’re a group of wildlife that we all have an opportunity to help right in our own yards and gardens. Especially … Read more

Top Five Cities That Garden for Wildlife

National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ 50th year celebration recognizes cities with the highest wildlife gardening activity. These concentrations of Certified Wildlife Habitats® help connect fragmented habitat in highly developed areas in … Read more

Washington State Celebrates Garden for Wildlife’s 50th Year!

2023 Ushers in Half a Century of Garden for Wildlife’s “Certified Wildlife Habitat” Program In 1973, two U.S. Forest Service researchers in Massachusetts conducted a small study. Their plan: discover … Read more

eagle in flight

Garnering Successes, Gardening for Wildlife: A Camano Island Volunteer with a Passion for Conservation

When Val Schroeder wakes up at her beachside home on Camano Island, in Western Washington, she has plenty to look forward to. She can walk the shoreline and view Whidbey … Read more

art made from bottle caps

5 Ways to Reduce Waste in Your Garden

Plastic pollution is a big deal News about its devastating effects on wildlife and the environment is everywhere and as a result, many of us are now opting for reusable … Read more

youtube video

Update on Mysterious Bird Deaths

This summer, sick and dying birds were documented in several states in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South. The main symptom was swollen, crusted-over eyes in fledglings of blue jays, robins, … Read more

Bumble bee pollinating bee balm. Pollinators like these are in decline.

10 Ways to Save Pollinators

Pollinators are in trouble. These important wildlife move from plant to plant while searching for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, they are dusted by pollen … Read more

community wildlife habitat sign in yard.

NEW GUIDE: Passing Wildlife-Friendly Property Maintenance Ordinances

Neighbor-friendly landscaping Local elected officials and community leaders have the opportunity to transform local landscaping practices that will empower residents to participate in the expansion of wildlife-friendly habitats where they … Read more

cedar waxwings

Five Ways to Attract Birds This Fall

Attracting and watching wild birds right in your own yard or garden are great activities year-round, but as migratory birds pass through on their way south and winter-resident species work … Read more