How to Certify Your Yard as a Wildlife Habitat

There are many options to certify your yard as a wildlife habitat depending on where you live.

Why Certify a yard as a wildlife habitat?

Here are some of the things you get with a certification:

A certificate and yard sign. Programs like NWF’s offer a certificate, and you can usually buy a sign. Signs start conversations with neighbors and encourage others to try it.
Technical help. Some programs include a site visit and a custom plan, such as the Portland-area Backyard Habitat Certification Program and Audubon chapter sanctuary programs run by volunteer ambassadors.
Discounts and perks. Some local programs offer native plant discounts, coupons and grants. Washington conservation districts, for example, have offered mini-grants of up to $4,000 for converting lawn to habitat.
Community. You can join newsletters, workshops, plant sales and garden tours.
Green building credit. Certified Wildlife Habitats can earn innovation points for properties pursuing LEED certification.
Support for conservation groups. Application fees help fund the sponsoring organization’s work. For example, NWF fees supports its educational programs.
A goal to work toward. Many programs have levels (such as Silver, Gold, Platinum) that give you milestones.
Possible help with neighbors. A sign signals that your yard is intentional, which can help if neighbors dislike a less manicured look.

How Wildlife Habitats Help Your Neighborhood

Turning your yard into a wildlife habitat can have huge benefits for your neighborhood, including:

Support wildlife. Native plants, water and shelter feed and house birds, pollinators, amphibians and other animals. Yards also connect larger natural areas as stopover points.
Support pollinators. Native plants are especially good for native bees and butterflies, including monarchs.
Build biodiversity. Native plantings support more insect and bird species than turf grass.
Reduce upkeep, energy, and water use. Less mowing, watering and fertilizing, once plants are established.
Improve water drainage and soil health. Native plants with deep roots help absorb stormwater, reduce runoff and improve soil health. Some programs, such as Portland’s, also score stormwater management.
Reduce pesticide and insecticide use. Many programs require limiting or eliminating pesticides and insecticides, which is healthier for wildlife, pets and people.
Provide education and enjoyment. Watching wildlife is rewarding, and it gives kids hands-on nature experience.
Increase property values. Wildlife habitats can increase property values because homes with wildlife habitats are more desirable to home buyers.
Improve human health and wellbeing. People living in yards and neighborhoods with wildlife habitats benefit from increased diversity in their microbiome, improved mental health outcomes, better air quality, better water quality, less risk of flooding, and more.

NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat®

This is the most universal option. The NWF provides a clear checklist and online application that works for any yard in the U.S.

What Your Yard Needs to Provide:
The NWF requires five core elements, with a strong push toward native plants (a goal of 70% native is recommended) and pesticide-free practices.

Food (3 sources): Native plants are the priority. You can also supplement with feeders, but plants should form the foundation.
Water (1 source): A birdbath, pond, or even a puddling dish for butterflies.
Cover (2 sources): Shrubs, brush piles, hollow trees, or roosting boxes for shelter from weather and predators.
Places to Raise Young (2 sources): Nesting boxes, host plants for caterpillars (like milkweed), or mature trees.
Sustainable Practices (3 actions): This includes avoiding pesticides (especially neonicotinoids), conserving water, or composting.

Cost & Process:
The application fee is $25 (free for schools). This includes a personalized certificate, a one-year NWF membership, and the option to purchase an official yard sign. The application is online, but you can take a quick quiz first to see if you qualify.

Finding Local & State Programs

Local programs often build on the NWF framework, sometimes offering a streamlined process or additional local recognition.

Here are the types of programs to look for and specific examples:

1. State Co-Certification (The “One-Step” Option)
Several state wildlife agencies or NWF affiliates have partnered to co-certify your yard. This means one application gets you both the national NWF certificate and a state-level designation.

How to find it: Check the NWF’s “In Your State” page to see if your state affiliate offers co-certification .
Example (Washington): The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has a “Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary” program. Historically, you could submit one application and fee to be recognized by both WDFW and NWF.

2. County & Municipal Programs
Many local governments partner with NWF to encourage certification, sometimes as part of a broader “Community Wildlife Habitat” initiative.

Broward County, FL (NatureScape): If you certify with NWF, you can then contact NatureScape Broward to receive a free NatureScape Certified Property sign and be added to their local map. They also accept the “Florida-Friendly Landscaping” recognition as an alternative.
Check Your City/County Website: Search for “[Your City/County Name] wildlife habitat certification” or “community wildlife habitat.” Look for partnerships with the NWF, as many cities (like Brookhaven, GA, or Denver, CO) actively encourage residents to certify to help the whole community earn a “Community Wildlife Habitat” title.

3. Non-Profit & Regional Programs
Local Audubon societies or conservation groups often run their own independent sanctuary programs.

Example (Northern Virginia): The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance runs a Wildlife Sanctuary Program. A volunteer ambassador will visit your property for free to advise on improvements and later certify your yard. Their motto is “Let the animals decide,” focusing on actual habitat usage rather than just a checklist .
How to find it: Search for “[Your Region] Audubon wildlife sanctuary” or “[Your State] native plant society habitat certification.”

Quick Action Plan

Assess & Prep: Take the NWF online quiz. If you are missing elements necessary for wildlife habitat certification, they will let you know exactly what you need to do.
Apply Nationally: Submit the NWF application ($25) to get your national certificate and sign.
Check for Local Bonuses: Before or after you apply, search your state wildlife agency (e.g., “Department of Fish and Wildlife”) or county environmental department website for “backyard habitat” or “sanctuary” programs to see if you can get a second, local sign or resource packet.

Northeast

Pennsylvania (statewide, run by county Master Gardeners): Penn State Extension’s Pollinator Friendly Garden certification is open to any Pennsylvania gardener. The application fee is $10, and the sign is an optional purchase of about $30.
Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh area: The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania runs a Certified Backyard Habitat Program with two site visits. The Allegheny County Master Gardeners page explains how to apply. It reportedly costs $60 for members and $90 for non-members, so confirm current rates.
Pennsylvania, Bird Town PA: Bird Town PA lists the state’s yard programs and works with municipalities.
New York (Monroe County): Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Pollinator Friendly Garden certification involves a visit from two Master Gardeners. The processing fee is $20, and the sign is $30.
New Hampshire and Maine: Master Gardeners at UNH and UMaine offer pollinator garden certification. A 2023 roundup listed it as free to submit with a $30 sign, so verify.
New Jersey: Besides NJ Audubon (listed earlier), check your county’s Rutgers Cooperative Extension office.

Mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake region

Maryland, state: Maryland’s Wild Acres is the state program.
Maryland, Master Gardeners: Local groups verify “Yardstick” applications and award a sign, free in many counties.
Harford County, Maryland: The Master Gardeners run the Pollen-Aider certification. It requires pollen and nectar plants, a water source, and overwintering habitat.
Howard County, Maryland: Residents can register through Bee City USA.
Frederick County, Maryland: Master Gardeners offer free certification, with a $20 to $30 sign.
Maryland, Chesapeake roundup: The Chesapeake Bay Program’s list covers ten programs, four national and six local to the watershed.
Northern Virginia: The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (the Audubon chapter) runs a Wildlife Sanctuary Program. Volunteer ambassadors visit for free and later certify the yard. Prince William County’s Master Gardeners helped arrange these visits (confirm this is still active).

Southeast

Georgia, Birds Georgia (formerly Georgia and Atlanta Audubon): It runs a Wildlife Sanctuary Program. One 2025 account described a fee of $75 for residences under 3 acres, plus a $35 membership, so confirm current pricing.
Georgia, Native Plant Society: The Native Plant Habitat Certification has Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. It requires a site visit and removing listed invasive plants. Membership is required.
Georgia, Monarchs Across Georgia: It offers pollinator habitat certification. It is reported at $15 for a certificate or $40 with a sign.
North Carolina (Chatham and Durham area): The New Hope Audubon Society runs a Bird Friendly Habitat Certification with volunteer site visits and levels up to Gold.

Midwest and Great Plains

Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana: The NDSU Extension Master Gardener program gives out free signs for certified pollinator gardens and bee lawns to residents of those four states.
Illinois: The Conservation Foundation’s Conservation@Home program is listed on the Will County yard certification partners page. That page also lists the Illinois Audubon Society’s Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary Program.
Kentucky: Christian County Extension reported a pollinator habitat registration initiative in 2025. Contact your county extension office to see whether yours has one.
Indiana. Indiana Native Plant Society offers a certification program.

South Central

Texas: The Native Plant Society of Texas runs the Native Landscape Certification Program. These are classes that certify you, not an inspection of your yard.
Texas, Hill County: A Master Naturalist chapter was reported to offer a pollinator certification, so ask them for current details.

Mountain West and Southwest

Colorado, Native Plant Society: The Certified Native Plant Garden & Landscape Program takes applications year-round. The fee includes a metal yard sign.
Colorado, People & Pollinators Action Network: The group offers a free pollinator habitat sign.
Idaho and Utah: I found no residential programs. Check the state Fish and Game or Wildlife Resources divisions, your county extension office, and Audubon chapters.

Pacific

Oregon and southwest Washington (Portland area): The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is run by the Bird Alliance of Oregon and Columbia Land Trust. It serves properties under one acre in most of Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties. Cities such as Gresham link to it.
Washington: In addition to the state program, Tacoma has a Habitat at Home pilot. Conservation districts such as Pierce Conservation District offer Habitat at Home help and mini-grants of up to $4,000.
California, San Diego County: The Master Gardener Association runs Certified Earth-Friendly Gardens.
California, Eastern Sierra: The Eastern Sierra Land Trust offers a free pollinator certification.

Multi-state native plant and bird groups

Wild Ones Certified Native Habitat Program: A certification for members with a $50 fee. Gardens must be at least 75% native or working toward it.
Firefly Conservation & Research: It offers yard certification with a $45 sign.
Local Audubon chapters: Many run their own sanctuary programs with their own rates and rules.
Local native plant societies: Search by state name.

More Resources

Are there any more great resources we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments or by contacting us. Thanks!