Tuesday, May 12, 2015

WILDLIFE HABITAT

    Did you know???  It takes only 4 things to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat?
    You can do this in your own yard by providing 4 very simple things.

    1.  Food
    2.  Water
    3.  Shelter
    4.  A place to raise young

    Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas.  become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat®.

    How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

    FOOD--Everyone needs to eat! Planting native shrubs and trees is the easiest way to provide the foliage, nectar, pollen, berries, seeds and nuts that many species of wildlife require to survive and thrive. You can also incorporate supplemental feeders and food sources, especially during the harsh months where food may not be so easy to find.



    WATER--Wildlife need clean water sources for many purposes, including drinking, bathing and reproduction. Water sources may include natural features such as ponds, lakes, rivers, springs, oceans and wetlands; or human-made features such as bird baths, puddling areas for butterflies, installed ponds or rain gardens.


    COVER--Wildlife require places to hide in order to feel safe from people, predators and inclement weather. Use things like native vegetation, shrubs, thickets and brush piles or even dead trees.



    A PLACE TO RAISE THEIR YOUNG--Wildlife need a sheltered place to raise their offspring. Many places for cover can double as locations where wildlife can raise young, from wildflower meadows and bushes where many butterflies and moths lay their eggs, or caves where bats roost and form colonies.




    Once you have provided these essential elements to make a healthy and sustainable wildlife habitat, join the thousands of wildlife enthusiasts across the country who have earned the distinction of being part of NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat® program.

    WE DID....Our bronze plaque is in route!!

























7 comments:

Karena said...

Gina, Congratulations. This is such a wonderful achievement and boost to the environment. I shall find a way to do the same!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

That's so neat, and congratulations! We did that at our last home; actually, my daughter did it for a school project and paper on the desert. At the time, the yard was not landscaped, so she researched plant selection. It was really a fun learning experience. This yard might meet the requirements, but I will have to take a look. xoxo Su

Marissa said...

Gina, I love this..
My husband got me a bird bath.. with St Francis statue for Mothers Day.. I love it..
And we planted more trees for birds..
Great post..
My husband is a birder..
Xo Marissa

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I admire you for being so kind. We can't keep birds from trying to nest at our front door, so we are not so charitable. Bird poop is not inviting when it's at your entryway. I'll send the birds your way!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Gina,
Done, done, done and done with the 4 requirements needed but I wonder if I would be certified living in the city.
Cool about waiting on your plaque. How's the bees? I have always wanted bee hives mingling throughout a mini field of Lavender. Yes this girl can dream!!!
Xx,
Vera

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

I would love to do this! Congrats Gina!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I wonder if we have the same program here in Canada? I'm certainly providing all of the criteria in my garden.