Does your yard support native plants or animals and set an example for your neighborhood? If so, your hard work should be recognized by officially certifying your yard as Certified Wildlife Habitat or a Certified Florida-Friendly Yard. Both of these designations support practices that “work with nature” and provide important resources for many species whose native habitats are being lost or significantly altered.

Throughout the U.S., there has been a growing trend in landscaping of going back to nature’s teachings to create beautiful yards and public spaces. And it makes sense too. Why not use the plants that evolved to handle intense rains, sandy soils, and the heat of Southwest Florida? It means less work for us in terms of mowing, fertilizing, and watering. Plus, it supports native butterflies, birds, and animals, and it is healthier for nearby waterways like Phillippi Creek. 

Certified Wildlife Habitat

The National Wildlife Federation certifies gardens or yards as wildlife habitat if they take into account the following themes:

Photo Credit: The National Wildlife Federation

Certified Florida-Friendly Yard

Florida-Friendly yards reduce water, fertilizer, and pesticide use, and provide habitats for wildlife.

Photo Credits: UF/IFAS Extrension Program & Alachua County

If you’re not quite ready for an official designation, that’s OK!

Keeping these key themes in mind as you design or maintain your yard will still help resotre more balance to your landscape (and perhaps give you something to strive for further down the line).

Read more about designing your yard with nature.