What are the four steps to “Certify Your Backyard?”

Food: Your yard probably has some plants to provide nectar for butterflies or nuts and berries for birds and small mammals. Add a few more native plants or hang a bird feeder for a little extra support. You may also want to let a small section go wild! You’ll be amazed what pops up there and so will the wildlife. Encourage as much diversity as possible!

Water: Remember, all wildlife need water for drinking and bathing. If you already have a pond, or border a body of water then you’re done. You’ll be seeing those water loving creatures like dragonflies, amphibians and birds. If not, just add a birdbath or small “rain garden.”

Places for cover: Add some dense evergreens or shrubs and a woodpile, rocks pile or rubble wall if you don’t already have them. Make a cozy brush pile from logs, twigs, evergreen branches and leaves. In the fall don’t blow all the leaves off your flower and shrub beds. This will provide warmth for over-wintering small creatures and make natural mulch for your plants.

Places to raise young: Birds love dense evergreens for nesting. You may also leave dead trees or fallen braches or add a nesting box. Don't forget the butterflies and other insects. Add plants suited to lay eggs.

Go to www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife for an application and more information.

If you love gardening, care about out environment or work in our community then please join us. Contact Jeni Casinelli at jenicasinelli@ryenaturecenter.org for more information.