How You Can Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat at Your Home

You may already have a certified wildlife habitat at your home and not even realize it! If you’re working hard to welcome pollinators and natural elements into your garden space, then you’re creating a wildlife sanctuary…and that’s beautiful. But, did you know you could certify your nature habitat? Like, officially?

If you meet the requirements, then you’re on your way to a certified wildlife habitat. I’ll share how I got certified and other fun things that go along with it!

Making a Certified Wildlife Habitat

Several years ago, I moved to a neighborhood that had some, shall I say, prissy ways. Many people went to great lengths to doll up their homes and it showed. When anyone looked at my little house, you could tell I at least TRIED.

One reason I was drawn to this area was that it literally called itself the City of Trees. And I’ve always loved trees, especially taking pictures of interesting trees wherever possible–traveling, running out to get a sandwich, at the chiropractor’s.

Huge, mature maple, ash, sycamore, oak, and elm trees towered around and over homes providing a canopy of shade and beauty. It kind of looked like a Hallmark movie but without the mysterious stranger who comes into town just in time to save Christmas.

I soon learned that, in the fall, the whole street rakes up, blows around, and bags up every single leaf and takes them to the curb. And I thought I was supposed to do this, too. I mean, perfection, right?

So, there I was that first year, out in my yard, huffing and puffing with my basic rake, gathering thousands of leaves from all corners of the Earth, my glasses fogging up like poor Marcie.

But something didn’t sit right with me.

The trees in the real forest weren’t hiring lawn crews to pick up all their fallen leaves…and everything seemed to be in pretty good shape there. In fact, to my knowledge, the chipmunks had no complaints.

So, I started researching the idea of leaving my leaves, and found out my intuition was right.

Lots of little bugs like butterflies, moths, and beetles will lay eggs directly on a fallen leaf. And tiny cuties like bumblebees huddle under the leaves for a long winter’s nap.

The leaves return nutrients back to the trees and soil. They even help lessen weeds in the spring.

And other small wildlife can nestle in their warmth when it’s cold and they’re all tuckered out.

I let my yard go…I mean, kind of.

Actually, my yard is still considered “acceptable” or maybe “passing” to human eyes. But, I’ve done a lot of things to help nature…and you can, too!

And being cognizant of nature doesn’t mean you have to create a national forest in your yard. Even small places matter. They matter a lot.

This post is all about making your certified wildlife habitat!

I started a certified wildlife habitat before I even knew what that was.

When I started letting the leaves fall and decompose back into the earth, it felt right. Not only that, I could be the laziest neighbor on the street and not feel bad about it!

Easy Things I Did To Unknowingly Start My Certified Wildlife Habitat

• Leave the leaves! Let them stay on the ground and/or mulch them up with my battery-powered lawnmower. Then, mulch around trees and shrubs.
• Let stuff get a little unruly. When you’re a yard rebel, you don’t need to do a fussy fall cleanup. Let things just be. Birds and critters will enjoy the seed pods, berries, and nuts.
• Discontinue mosquito spray service and fertilizer (and any other chemicals). I’m a real snack for mosquitoes, but I’ve decided to find more natural ways to send them packing!
• Create a bird bath and bee bath. Okay, I’ll admit that this one is hard for me to keep up with sometimes, but I try my best to provide water for the critters as often as I can. (I also live near a creek so this counts toward my certification.)
• Make hummingbird feed out of water and plain white sugar and place in a feeder. Get the recipe I use in this post.
• Mow the grass less. I’m not the pride of the neighborhood for this, but that was never my dream anyway.
• Plant native trees that I didn’t even know were native. I have so many redbud saplings and I’ve transplanted a handful that have grown into lovely trees.

The certified wildlife habitat: How I got certified

“Certified wildlife habitat” sounds kind of intimidating at first, but it truly isn’t that difficult to do!

The National Wildlife Federation provides a pretty easy list of practical changes you can make. And you don’t have to do them all at once! It’s about adding and reducing as you go. And you’re probably already doing some of this stuff anyway!

Their checklist of things you can do at your home to help nature has ideas that don’t cost a lot at all.

Now, you can overdo things like I did and plant a ton of evergreens at once (this was actually one of the best investments I’ve ever made), but spending a lot of money right now might not be in the cards. And I get that!

Instead, you could transplant seedlings you already have in your yard, like redbuds or maples. Free trees! And if you don’t know what they look like, try the PictureThis app. I’m suggesting this because it’s an awesome app and ALSO I don’t want you inadvertently planting a sprawling patch of poison ivy.

I also trade plants through my Buy Nothing Project Facebook group. Such a great way to get free plants!

Back To The Actual Point: Certified Wildlife Habitat

Once you meet all the requirements on the list, you can fill out an application online, which includes a $25 fee. Think of it like a donation to an organization supporting our planet! (Though, I’m not 100% sure it counts as a donation-donation, so don’t tell your tax guy/girl I told you this!)

Once you’re certified, you get a few perks, like a membership to their magazine and newsletter.

Plus, you’re eligible to buy a cool yard sign! I haven’t done this yet because I want the most expensive one, of course, and I’m trying a thrifty life at the moment.

However, the signs are a great way to spread the word about conservation and caring for wildlife. It just might inspire your persnickety neighbors!

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FAQs About a Certified Wildlife Habitat

What if I don’t have a yard?

If you live in a loft, apartment, or townhouse, do what you can!

And let me remind you, it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Maybe you have a small balcony or patio. You could plant potted pollinator plants, install a hummingbird feeder, and set out a small dish of water and seashells as a bee bath.

And if you have zero nature areas where you live, that’s okay! You could try houseplants that help clean the air. Or join a community gardening group.

Ways To Help Nature When You Don’t Have A Yard:

• Potted plants or hanging plants: Many flowers do well in containers. Do your research and the find the right ones based on the amount of sunshine you have on your deck or porch.
• Bird bath or fountain
• Bee bath for small pollinators, including butterflies: Make sure it’s a shallow dish with small rocks and sticks that they can balance on.
• Hummingbird feeder: Make your nectar at home!
• Less lighting: Turn off bright porch lights or add amber-hued LED bulbs.
• Compost pickup service: I do this and HAVE a yard! I’m not ready to go full-on composting on my own yet!
• Birdhouse or bird feeder
• Dried-up plants with seed pods: Let your wilted plants remain in pots for food and shelter for insects passing through.
• Shelter for stray cats: Obviously, this depends on where you live, but some people have made pretty cool shelters out of coolers!
• Compassion for critters: Try to help a trapped moth or little spider back outside. I save clear plastic food containers to help me carefully catch and release them.

What if my HOA is kind of mean?

Creating a nature-friendly habitat can stir up some meanies. But that’s probably just because they don’t fully understand what you’re trying to do! (Or maybe they’re just meanies!)

Respectfully share with your HOA leaders or city council what you’re trying to accomplish. (You can also do this with your less unhinged neighbors!) They may love it, hate it, or give you a few guidelines to follow. Whatever you do, try to stay patient, kind, and open to suggestions.

If they won’t budge on neighborhood rules or guidelines and you’re a rule follower, then ask yourself, “Am I a rule follower in my BACKYARD?”

Maybe you have a fenced-in garden or a spot that you can make your own! Maybe this is the place where you add ground cover and no-mow types of grass and clover.

Even small spaces help wildlife. Add a small brush pile behind some tall plants. Or plant some pollinator flowers around your trees. Drop creeping thyme seeds in your patio cracks.

If the no-mow look isn’t a true option, find other legal ways to help!

What if I can’t spend the money to get certified right now?

Even if you’re fully doing everything you can, but just can’t add more one expense to your budget, then you’re certified in MY heart! (I know. Your dream come true.)

Be proud of what you’ve done and don’t feel like you need to spend anything just to prove a point.

Yeah, it’s cool to say, “I have a certified wildlife habitat!” But the last I checked, bumblebees, butterflies, birds, lightning bugs, and bunnies don’t need titles to be happy. They’re already happy with the kindness you’ve put into your home and garden.

Your compassion, commitment, and hard work are what matters.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

William Shakespeare

What if I can’t have certain plants because they’re toxic to kids and pets?

You can find alternatives that are just as helpful and pretty! This list from the ASPCA shows both toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses. You can search by animal or plant, too, to get more specific.

The American Kennel Club also has an article on creating a dog-friendly garden.

No matter what plants you have at home or in your garden, it’s never a bad idea to supervise your pups while they’re outside. This is good not only for watching what mayhem they try to get into, but also keeping them safe from other animals or getting out of the yard.

One evening, my dog walked right up to a possum because she thought it was another dog…and I was even there supervising! All was good…the possum was like, “Nah, I’m an introvert and need my downtime” and trotted away.

So, watching over and staying present with your fur child or wild child is always important.

What if my wildlife sanctuary is being destroyed by wildlife, for example, squirrels?!

The battle of the bunnies, siege of the slugs, and scourge of the squirrels ain’t no joke. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love little critters so that’s why they get by with EVERYTHING. But you can try natural deterrents that don’t hurt your little feisty friends.

I’m currently having real life troubles with my aster I planted in memory of Jane Goodall. There is a squirrel that considers my aster its daily buffet. I even put out a tiny pumpkin so it could snack on that instead.

NOPE. The squirrel wants the flowers!

So I’m trying coffee grounds and cinnamon because squirrels apparently aren’t into those smells. We’ll see and I’ll report back!

Other gardeners use peppermint oils and even motion and lights to create distractions. And if you’ve found a humane and compassionate way of keeping your garden from utter destruction, please share in the comments!

What kinds of native plants should I start with?

I’m a big believer in starting with what you know because that builds your gardening confidence. And what you know may already be in your yard or garden!

Nurture Or Transplant Native Plants You Already Have

I use the example of Eastern redbuds a lot because they’re such great, little trees that are native to my region (and many other regions) and are SO easy. If these trees are in your area, you probably have seedlings somewhere in your yard. And it’s literally a piece of cake to transplant them.

Get Free Plants Gifted By Friends & Neighbors

Trading plants with friends is another way to save money and get firsthand tips from those who are already growing those particular varieties.

Talk to others about what they like, ask their gardening advice, and just bond over plants! Plant talk is fun!

Establish Your Easier Plants Then Try Something New

How many plants have I tried that have failed? OH SO MANY. But I believe in experimenting with plants because you never know when you’ll find your new favorite flower!

And if one flower or shrub doesn’t work at first, it’s okay to try again. Sometimes, it can be the specific growing conditions or missing a step in the process.

Some Growing Tips:

• If you planted seeds that didn’t sprout, consider an established potted version the next time.
• Know that you can move plants to another part of your garden if they’re not getting enough sun or even too much sun.
• Experiment with potted plants versus planting directly into the ground.
• Research tips and tricks, like the right compost to use or companion plants that attract beneficial bugs.
• Learn to identify volunteer seedlings that can be nurtured and transplanted or gifted.

Will you just give me one easy list to follow to start my certified wildlife habitat?

Of course, darling!

Start Your Certified Wildlife Habitat:

• Rake leaves into flower beds or along fence lines.
• Mulch leaves with a mower and let a fine layer blend in with your grassy areas.
• Build a lasagna mulch bed in the fall:
  • Add a layer of cardboard or newspaper.
  • Top with a layer of leaves or mulch.
  • Add green matter, like weeds or cut grass clippings.
  • Repeat.
• Pile a few sticks or branches behind tall bushes or another inconspicuous location to make a home for beneficial bugs.
• Leave seed pods for songbirds to munch on.
• Don’t spray poisons or chemicals. (We’ll find natural, better ways together!)
• Make a bird bath. I use shallow serving platters that are collecting dust inside. Then, I add rocks, sticks, and water (obviously).
• Make a bee bath. Get a small, very shallow dish, add pebbles, seashells, and small twigs. Refresh water often!
• Plant native flowers or trees, like purple coneflower or redbuds.
• Leave small clover patches for bees.
• Let some of those dandelions stay. Sometimes this is the only food available for bees.
• Let a patch of wild violets grow. They are the host plant for frittilary butterflies.
• Mow less. Not need-a-bush-hog-now-less. Just maybe wait two weeks instead of one.
• Turn off extraneous lights at night.
• Get amber-hued outdoor bulbs. (This is on my to-do list, too!)
• Install a hummingbird feeder.

Hummingbird Feeder Recipe

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white, granulated sugar
• Pour water and sugar into stove-top cookware.
• Turn on heat.
• Stir periodically.
• Remove from heat when the sugar has dissolved into the water (this won’t take long; a few minutes).
• Turn off stove (very important).
• Let COOL: So important! You don’t want to injure your hummingbird friends with blazing hot sugar water. I do a finger test before pouring it into the feeder.
• Pour in a clean hummingbird feeder.
• Hang up near a tree or other shrubbery so they have coverage from predators. I hang mine from my front porch.
• Note: This is probably the only recipe you’ll ever find on this site! Enjoy!

What if this habitat brings in critters that scare me or could be dangerous?

I advocate for safety for you, your family, fur family, friends, and neighbors always! Do what you’re comfortable with and think of it as controlled chaos.

For example, some people install bat houses and that’s a very admirable thing to do, if you know what you’re doing and the neighborhood is cool with it. I, on the other hand, am way too neurotic for that.

Conversely, I don’t mind possums scuttling through my yard at night. But I do make sure to always go outside with my pup to keep her safe from any nocturnal critters on-the-go, especially coyotes which are also in the area.

Research what’s best for you and ask other budding conservationists their tips, too!

Conclusion: A certified wildlife habitat is in your future! I just know it!

Now, you MUST be super duper inspired! Right? Your certified wildlife habitat is a way to give back to nature, animals, and people. It’s a way to express your love for the environment, your creativity, too. It’s a way to care.

Let me know in the comments what stirred your heart and imagination!

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Garden Stuff I Love

• Hand weeder I use for English ivy
• Faux brick edging: So effortless! This stuff is awesome!
• Vintage-inspired porch glider in a darling mint green. Reminds me of my grandparents’ front porch🩷
• Garden arbor archway for roses or other climbing plants
• Trellis stakes for extra security