What do gardeners do when it's too cold outside to garden? They think about their gardens... A few years back, I certified my butterfly garden as a Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch, an organization committed to the conservation of this unique butterfly. The certification came with a price-tag however, and an additional cost to purchase the sign I proudly display in my garden, but I felt my money was going to a cause I feel strongly about... I understand that organizations need a plan or a sales-pitch to support their cause, raise awareness, educate the public... I'm pretty much for anything that promotes the preserving and conservation of our limited natural resources and wildlife.
As I was remembering the last season and planning for the next, I decided to add another sign to my yard. I'm going to register the The Ranch as a Certified Wildlife Habitat...I thought I would post the steps for this certification and how I qualified for each requirement. First I need to clarify that I refer to our 7 acre property as The Ranch, not because of the set-up, but the 1978 ranch-style house that came with the purchase! For your yard, garden or property to qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements below and provide elements from each of the following areas:
Since I meet the requirements, I'll pay the price, purchase the sign and my yard will be added to the more than 136,000 certified wildlife sites across the country!
For more info on certifying your backyard or garden refer to the National Wildlife Federation's website...
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Mature trees and vegetation provide shelter, while a large pond on the property serves as a permanent water source... |
This can be plant seeds or berries, nectar sources, bird feeders, humming bird feeders, native plants/foliage...
Pond, birdbath, steam, water feature...
Thicket, rock-pile, birdhouse, log pile...
Shrubs, vegetation, pond, host plants for caterpillars, bird houses, mature trees...
Compost, mulch, chemical free fertilizer, soil and water conservation, organic gardening and practices...
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| My butterfly garden provides native and host plants, nectar sources... |
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| Compost, mulch and chemical-free fertilizer! |
Since I meet the requirements, I'll pay the price, purchase the sign and my yard will be added to the more than 136,000 certified wildlife sites across the country!
I'll be supporting a worthy cause and displaying my support of protecting and conserving wildlife..
For more info on certifying your backyard or garden refer to the National Wildlife Federation's website...
