Certify your yard in both national and state programs

Backyard wildlife enthusiasts can certify their property as a “sanctuary” or “habitat” in both state and national programs with one step.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/ links to the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat program to provide the benefits of both with the paperwork of one.

WDFW’s program provides an information packet on landscaping for wildlife, supplemental feeding, and other details for $5; return of a completed backyard inventory of habitat provided, along with another $5, certifies that property in the state program with a yard sign, personalized certificate, and electronic subscription to “Crossing Paths” newsletter.

NWF certification, based on the same inventory, costs $15 and includes a personalized certificate and subscription to the award-winning National Wildlife magazine.

If you’ve already certified your property as a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Washington, you can receive additional recognition for your efforts through the National Wildlife Federation.