Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

Hannah O'Connor
Mar 1, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Aug 8

This information is based on the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Certification. You can download the Requirements Checklist to confirm you have all the elements necessary to be certified.

What Is a Certified Wildlife Habitat?

The Role of the National Wildlife Federation

The Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program is an initiative of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) that empowers homeowners, schools, businesses, and entire communities to create landscapes that support local ecosystems. Since its launch in 1973, the program has certified over 250,000 habitats nationwide, including more than 11,000 in Texas alone. To qualify as a Certified Wildlife Habitat™, your yard must provide the following five components: food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainable practices. Each element plays a crucial role in supporting the lifecycle of local wildlife.

Why Certify Your Yard?

Here are a few benefits:

Support Local Wildlife: Native bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians rely on specific plants and conditions to survive. Your yard can help provide those missing links.
Build Biodiversity: Even small habitat patches contribute to larger ecological networks, especially in cities and suburbs.
Promote Sustainable Gardening: Certified habitats use fewer chemicals, less water, and more natural materials, creating a healthier environment for both people and animals.
Community Recognition: A certification sign not only celebrates your efforts but also educates neighbors and encourages others to follow suit.

FOOD

Does your habitat provide at least three (3) food sources for wildlife?

Native plants provide food eaten by a variety of wildlife. Feeders can supplement natural food sources.

Examples:

Native plants that offer seeds, berries, nuts, or nectar.
Healthy insect population.
Supplemental bird feeders.

Seeds

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Produces seeds favored by birds.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Attracts birds with its seeds and is also a nectar source.
Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium): The seeds of this grass are popular with many birds.

Berries

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Produces clusters of purple berries, a favorite among birds.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): Offers bright red berries, a bird food source.
Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata): Produces red berries that are popular among wildlife.
Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana): Produces black, sweet fruit that is a favorite of birds and mammals.
Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera): The small, bluish-gray berries are a valuable food source for birds, especially in winter.

Nuts

Texas Pecan (Carya illinoinensis): State tree of Texas; provides nuts for wildlife.
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): Its acorns are a significant food source for many animals.
Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana): Produces plum fruits that wildlife can eat.

Nectar

Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus): Red flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Texas Sage (Salvia coccinea): A favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.
Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides): Known for its colorful flowers that provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.