Certified Wildlife Habitat

 Yesterday I had my yard certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.  It is easy to do.  You need to provide wildlife with food, water, cover, and places to raise their young.  This means that there are both natural food sources, such as seeds, native plants, berries and nuts, as well has feeders.


Your yard needs trees, bushes, and undergrowth  for cover, and water sources, such as ponds, streams and birdbaths.

I have noticed that as I have expanded the garden space, and reduced the lawn, I have had a marked increase in the number and variety of birds.

 In addition to birds, I regularly see squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, a variety of bees, butterflies and on occasion a possum and a racoon.