CREDIT: DEBI NITKA
Welcome! One of the easiest ways to help wildlife is to plant native plants.
Wildlife relies on native plants for survival, yet we’ve largely replaced native plant habitat in our cities, towns, and neighborhoods with asphalt, lawns, and other non-native ornamental plants that don’t support wildlife. Native plant habitat is core to ecological gardening practices and doesn’t require the polluting chemicals and maintenance that lawns do so it’s also healthier for people and the planet.
Anyone Can Be Part of the Native Plant Movement
Over 50 years ago, the National Wildlife Federation launched programs that have inspired what has become one of the largest national (and increasingly international) native plant movements. Since 1973, our goal has been to inspire people to plant natives and influence the way they maintain their yards, gardens, and community green spaces to benefit wildlife and people.
Today, an estimated seven million people have participated. By planting natives, they’ve supported local biodiversity that echoes what Indigenous people, conservationists, and many local community leaders have known for generations—that we must honor the interdependent relationship between plants, wildlife, and people.
Learn More About Our Movement’s Rich History, Inspirational Initiatives and Programs
We invite you to grow this movement and play your part to ensure birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, along with a host of other wildlife species, will thrive with people in places where they live, learn, work, play, and worship. There is a wealth of information on this website to help get you started today.
Get Involved and Make an Impact
CREDIT: JOEY HERRON
Plant native.
Provide habitat essentials that benefit both wildlife and people. You can start with a small space or join with others to impact larger community spaces. Then certify to show your commitment to maintain these elements. Certification options are designed for individual habitats at home, school, small businesses, or public places.
CREDIT: LINDA PIOTROWICZ
Your action creates lasting change.
Support incentives and policies that lead to behavioral change for more ecological, sustainable gardening/landscape practices, increased native seed and plants, and access to nature for people of all ages.
Participate and help inspire others through our seasonal initiatives.
Help us reach thousands more each season by participating in our annual Garden for Wildlife® Month, Pollinator Month, Leave the Leaves Month, Wildlife Habitat Photo Contest and more.
CREDIT: KAILA DRAYTON
Gain insight from our habitat partners and wildlife champions.
Learn how the National Wildlife Federation forms partnerships as part of the larger movement and check out native plant habitat success stories.
