Gardener to Gardener

Whether you are limited to a small patio or have hectares of land, the Canadian Wildlife Federation would like to acknowledge your efforts in welcoming wildlife to your outdoor space. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program recognizes the amazing efforts Canadians are taking to meet the habitat needs of wildlife and allows individuals to have their property officially designated as wildlife friendly.

Why certify your property

It's free, it's easy and it can help wildlife!

Certified properties can raise awareness in their communities of both the importance of gardening with wildlife in mind, as well as the fact that it can be done beautifully - in any gardening style you like. This is especially conveyed when the colourful certification certificate, decal or sign is put up in a prominent spot.

The data we gather from the application forms help CWF’s national conservation efforts, while maintaining as much privacy as you wish. We do this in gathering information on what species are spotted to using this data to encourage other Canadians to adopt this land management approach.

But one of the greatest benefits to certification is personal satisfaction as well as working together with other wildlife stewards across the country that are providing an increasingly scarce need of wildlife – space to nest, rest, take cover and feed, right in your own backyard.

How to certify your property

In certifying properties, we look to see if your outdoor space meets the needs of wildlife – food, water, shelter, that you have included some earth-friendly gardening practices and have incorporated regionally native plants. While we recognize the benefits of providing artificial nesting and feeding structures, we are also looking for a more rounded approach that includes many aspects of creating natural habitat and the diversity of wildlife it supports.

The application form will guide you through these different components, but if you’d like more information or great tips and ideas in making it a reality for your property, visit our How to Garden with Wildlife in Mind section.

1. Download the form or call us if you want us to mail you a hard copy.
2. Fill out the form as best you can. Keep an eye out for tips on entering your information.
3. Include a sketch of your property (as fancy or as simplistic as you like)
4. Include some photos that show your wildlife-friendly property in action. It helps us if you can include both overall shots and a few close-ups of any favourite plants, natural features or animal visitors.
5. Send in your form and attachments and allow a few weeks for processing.

There is no charge for certification. Applicants that meet the above criteria will receive a certificate and window decal to indicate that the property is a CWF Certified Backyard Habitat. Colourful garden signs are available for purchase to certified participants for a price of $15.00 (includes shipping and handling).

Photo credit: Jennifer Howard

		On-line Application Form Apply for certification on-line.
		Print Up and Mail In Application Form  Apply for certification with our printable PDF form.
		Certification Sign Order your own 'Certified Backyard Habitat' garden sign with our printable PDF form. For certified gardens only.
Photo credit: Brenda Hiltz		View Certified Properties Across Canada Read how gardeners like you transformed their properties - big and small - to wildlife-friendly spaces.