Photo by:
National Wildlife Trust
Step out your backdoor and into an oasis where birds flit from branch to branch, squirrels dart up and down tree trunks in a game of tag, bees go about their pollinating business, leaves rustle in the breeze and children are busy playing. Whether you have several acres or a small urban plot, you can make a space like this for yourself, and the National Wildlife Federation can help you get started.
The NWF is dedicated to adding 20,000 certified natural habitats this year, for a total of 150,000. Follow these simple guidelines and make your garden count.
- Provide food. This can be as simple as putting out a bird feeder. Planting native plants is also a great way to draw in wildlife such as butterflies and birds. Your local nursery can help you identify which plants are native in your area.
- Provide shelter. Evergreen plants are a great place for wildlife to take shelter.
- Provide water. This can be as simple as putting a birdbath out. If you have more space, maybe a water garden!
- Provide a place for wildlife to raise young. A birdhouse or a pile of brush can serve as a great place for wildlife to raise their young.
Check out nwf.org for more great tips on what you can do today to work towards making your garden a certified natural habitat.
