Can you find the four elements of wildlife habitat in your yard?
Use this checklist to determine if your backyard could be certified as a haven for birds, butterflies and other wildlife by providing the five elements that wildlife need survive. Simply check off the elements as you see them in your yard!
| 1. | Food for nourishment __ Birdfeeder __ Shrubs or trees that produce fruits, acorns, seeds or berries __ Wildflowers that produce nectar __ Healthy insect populations to feed birds and other wildlife |
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| 2. | Water for drinking and bathing __ Birdbath __ Pond __ Shallow dish |
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| 3. | Cover to protect wildlife against the elements and predators __ Densely branched shrubs __ Hollow logs __ Rock piles __ Brush piles __ Stone walls __ Evergreens __ Meadow grasses __ Pond |
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| 4. | Places to Raise Young __ Mature trees or grassland areas __ Host plants for caterpillars __ Pond for amphibians __ Brush or rock pile __ Burrows or dens |
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In addition to the four habitat basics, it’s also important to use sustainable gardening practices. |
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__ Growing native vegetation __ Minimizing chemical pesticides __ Building healthy soil __ Composting |
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Congratulations! If you checked boxes in each of the above categories, your yard could become a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat site through National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ program. If you would like to learn more about how to get certified, please visit our website at www.nwf.org/bwh or call us at 1-800-822-9919.
