A Certified Wildlife Habitat (CWH) is an official designation recognizing properties that actively support local wildlife through responsible, ecological gardening and landscaping practices. This recognition is granted by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), which manages the program as part of its long-running Garden for Wildlife movement. The goal of the certification is to inspire individuals, schools, and communities to transform their outdoor spaces into functioning havens for native animals. A Certified Wildlife Habitat demonstrates a commitment to providing the resources that wildlife need to thrive.
The Five Essential Elements of a Certified Habitat
To qualify for NWF certification, any outdoor space must demonstrate the presence of five fundamental elements necessary for sustaining animal life. The first requirement is providing at least three sources of food, which can include native plants that offer seeds, nectar, berries, or foliage for species ranging from insects to birds. Supplemental feeders for hummingbirds or squirrels can contribute to this requirement, but native plants are the preferred foundation for the local food web.
The second element requires a reliable water source for drinking and bathing, with a minimum of one source needed. This can be as simple as a shallow bird bath that is regularly cleaned and refilled, or a more permanent feature like a small pond or a rain garden that retains moisture. Water is also necessary for species like amphibians and certain insects that rely on it for reproduction.
The third and fourth elements involve creating two sources of protective cover and two distinct places to raise young. Cover provides animals with shelter from harsh weather and protection from predators, often achieved through dense shrubs, brush piles, or rock walls. Places to raise young can include host plants for butterfly caterpillars, mature trees with nesting cavities, or artificial structures like bird houses or bat boxes.
The final requirement is the use of sustainable gardening practices. This element acknowledges that simply providing food and water is insufficient if the habitat is managed with harmful methods. Certification requires the use of techniques that preserve the health of the entire ecosystem, ensuring the resources provided are safe for both wildlife and people.
The Application and Certification Process
Once a gardener is confident their property meets all five habitat requirements, the next step is to complete the application process through the National Wildlife Federation’s website. The application involves a simple checklist where the property owner confirms the presence of the required food, water, cover, and sites for raising young. Since the NWF program operates largely on an honor system, there is typically no physical inspection of the property.
The process requires the submission of a processing fee, which is currently around $25, and this fee directly supports the NWF’s conservation efforts nationwide. Upon successful submission and approval, the applicant receives a personalized certificate recognizing their achievement. Certification also often includes a complimentary one-year membership to the National Wildlife Federation and a subscription to their magazine.
The designation is tied to the current owner’s commitment to maintaining the space. New owners of a certified property are encouraged to re-certify to confirm their dedication to the program’s standards. Those who wish to visibly mark their achievement can purchase an exclusive Certified Wildlife Habitat sign to display in their garden.
Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Habitat Stewardship
The sustainable practices component of the certification moves beyond initial setup to focus on the long-term methodology of managing the habitat. A primary focus is the elimination of synthetic chemical pesticides and herbicides, as these substances can poison the insects that form the base of the food chain, or directly harm birds and mammals. Instead, integrated pest management techniques, such as encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, are preferred for controlling pests.
Prioritizing the use of native plants is essential for sustainable habitat management, with the NWF recommending a goal of at least 70% native vegetation. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, requiring less water and no fertilizers, which significantly reduces the garden’s ecological footprint. They also provide the specific co-evolved food sources that local insects and wildlife depend upon for survival.
Water conservation is another element of stewardship, often achieved by installing rain barrels to capture runoff or implementing water-wise gardening techniques. By grouping plants with similar water needs and using mulch, gardeners can reduce evaporation and minimize the need for supplemental watering. Controlling invasive, non-native species is also an ongoing practice to prevent them from outcompeting beneficial native plants.