To celebrate our 70th Anniversary, National Wildlife Federation set a goal of reaching 70,000 certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ sites in 2006. We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your support, NWF has met and surpassed that goal ahead of schedule! In fact by early October, more than 74,000 yards, schools, and communities had been certified, including more than 12,000 in the last six months. Each of them can feel good that they have done something special for wildlife by providing the four elements animals need to survive – food, water, cover, and places to raise young.

Backyard Habitat hosts Molly Pesce and David Mizejewski, Wynnona Judd, and Chief of Staff Kevin B. Churchwell, M.D.

In celebration of reaching this goal, NWF selected one organization to receive special recognition as the honorary 70,000^th Certified Habitat. This certification was awarded to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville where, with the help of Animal Planet's Backyard Habitat series, volunteers created a habitat for wildlife on a sixth-floor balcony. The installation of the habitat at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital aired as a Backyard Habitat prime-time special in December.

It's not too late to join us!

Maybe you started the certification process but never finished, or maybe this is your first time hearing about the program. Don’t worry, there’s always room for more wildlife habitats! Why don’t you certify now and help NWF reach 100,000 certified habitats? And don’t forget, when you certify your yard you’ll also receive a free 1-year NWF membership, including a subscription to our award-winning National Wildlife magazine! So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Share your story

Did you certify your yard or help someone else to certify theirs? We want to hear from you! Tell us what inspired you to garden for wildlife, or how you encouraged someone else to get involved!

And don't forget to order your Certified Wildlife Habitat yard sign! It's a great way to let your neighbors know that you have done something special for wildlife and encourage them to do the same!