Habitat Certification Programs
Introduction
Certification isn't a magic bullet, but it has several benefits, and may be worth pursuing depending on your goals and situation.
Qualifications
Qualification usually require habitats include food sources, at least one water source, and some type of shelter. There may be other requirements depending on the program. They may also have a list of requirements, of which only a certain percentage needs to be met, for example 10 are listed, but you only need to provide 7 of these to qualify.
Costs & Bonuses
The certification process usually requires some form of payment for processing, and you may receive a sign or plaque upon completion.
Depending on the organization, they may have a website that you can register your garden on (some let you share photos of your wild flowers and other resources!), which you can use to see who else in your area is also participating. This can be a great way to stoke a sense of community and comradery. We have some examples listed on our Action Maps page.
Existing Programs
Europe
UK
North America
USA
National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Program "Wildlife habitat gardens are a haven for local birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Tell us how your yard or garden provides habitat and the National Wildlife Federation will recognize it as a Certified Wildlife Habitat®.
Once certified, you can share your accomplishment and commitment to helping wildlife with your whole neighborhood by purchasing and posting an exclusive Certified Wildlife Habitat® sign.
The secure $20 application processing fee and sign purchase directly support the National Wildlife Federation's programs to protect wildlife and its habitat."
Louisiana
The Louisiana Certified Habitat Program "recognizes the efforts of Louisiana residents, schools and organizations to conserve our natural heritage. The goal of this program is to encourage property owners and managers to increase and protect the ecological value of their land to benefit wildlife and natural systems.
Because Louisiana Certified Habitats serve as models for the community that cultivate appreciation of native gardens, applicants must be in compliance with local ordinances regarding vegetative growth and maintenance of their landscapes."
Texas
Native Plant Society of Texas: Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) "is a series of 1 day or 2 day-long classes highlighting best practices for native plant landscaping, including wildlife habitat gardening.
Each class consists of an indoor training session (possibly on Zoom) and an outdoor plant identification session or field trip.
Level 1 is a prerequisite for Level 2 and 3. Level 1 is not required for Level 4 which can be taken as a standalone class. Levels 2, 3, 4 may be taken in any order.
In Levels 1 through 3 you are presented with 45 native Texas plants recommended for your area, and 5 non-native plants to avoid. Level 4 concentrates on the value and practice of land stewardship from urban neighborhoods to large-scale natural areas.
Goals of the NLCP classes are to (a) educate NPSOT members and the general public about the value of natives, (b) how to use native plants in home, public and commercial landscapes and habitat restorations, and to (c) provide native landscape education, CEUs, and credentials to landscape professionals, developers, and nature-oriented groups.
Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes – Class & Plant Walk
Level 2: Design and Development with Native Plants – Class & Plant Walk
Level 3: Installing and Maintaining Native Landscapes – Class & Plant Walk
Level 4: Stewardship of Native Plant Communities – Class & Field Trip"
Texan by Nature Certification 🌃 (PDF) for industry recognition of Dark Skies-Friendly lighting efforts.
Oceana
Australia
New Zealand
Resources
Info pages for things you may want or need to add to your landscape to qualify for certification.
The following topic pages cover things you may need or want to remove from your landscape and landscaping practices.