1. Where are schoolyard habitat projects located?

The number of schoolyards that become Certified Wildlife Habitat™ sites grows every day. There are currently Certified Wildlife Habitats in schools and other educational settings in 49 states across the United States. International sites include one in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and one in Rome, Italy.

2. What age groups are involved with schoolyard habitat projects?

All ages are involved. From children in day care centers and preschools, to thousands of students in grades K-12, to parents, university students, teachers, administrators, community members, and volunteers, Schoolyard Habitats projects truly do reach all ages.

3. How much land do you need to begin a schoolyard habitat?

Some schools use their limited amount of green space – i.e. a small courtyard – to its fullest potential. Smaller projects may focus on attracting and supporting local insects, butterflies and birds, while schools with more land do everything from restoring native prairie to planning and creating a schoolyard wetland.

4. Why should my school certify its wildlife habitat?

Schools and organizations benefit from certifying their habitat projects in many ways. Each time a school gets certified, National Wildlife Federation sends out a press release form that the school can fill out and submit to local newspapers; this publicity helps schools gain additional community support and aids in future fundraising efforts for the schoolyard project. Once certified, schools are also able to order an attractive Certified Wildlife Habitat™ sign, which they can post to announce and describe their efforts. In addition, certified schools gain lifetime access to the Habitats Online newsletter.

Most people find that applying for certification is a helpful, tangible goal along the road of habitat restoration. Receiving certification from National Wildlife Federation is a huge accomplishment and reason for a school-wide celebration; certification represents official acknowledgment for a school's hard work and achievement thus far, and provides a new boost of energy for the work that lies ahead. Certification is not an ending, but represents an early milestone along the way.