Tuesday, April 21, 2015

We're Certified!

Hello blogging friends,

Last spring our property was certified as a National Wildlife Habitat.  It has been fun over the years creating a welcoming haven for local wildlife.  In order to certify your yard, you need to provide food, water, shelter and a place for the wildlife to raise their young.


The food sources we have are hanging bird feeders, native plants, seeds, nuts, berries and nectar.  Both the pond and birdbath provide a water source.  Shelter is important to protect wildlife from predators and bad weather.  In our yard we have a diversity of plants, including mature spruce trees and evergreens for the birds to nest and raise their young.

I just love watching the birds, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits enjoying themselves.  Not to mention the bees, butterflies, dragonflies and ladybugs.


These baby squirrels were born this spring.  There are 3 of them, but only 2 came out to have their pictures taken :-)



Have you ever considered creating a wildlife habitat?  Spring is really the best time to garden for wildlife as the migratory birds and butterflies have returned, animals are emerging from hibernation and young babies are being born.  When your property includes the four elements mentioned above you are ready for certification by the National Wildlife Federation.  Even without being certified you are assisting to support a healthier ecosystem in your garden.


For me gardening is more than just making the yard look pretty - it provides a safe and healthy environment for garden creatures.

Wishing you a delightful week!

12 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello Donna, It is wonderful for all the critters that you have a wonderful wildlife habitat. The squirrels and bunny are adorable.. Great post.. Have a happy day!

KarinsArtScrap said...

ahhh these are cute squirrels and that bunny is need too what a great place for them Donna.
your garden looks so good followed this now for several years.

Gr Karin

thewovenspoke said...

That is great Donna, I love seeing wildlife and am always finding them with my camera or when I'm having my coffee. I am watching a cottontail at the moment.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Congratulations on being certified, Donna! I love seeing people dedicate their property to attracting wildlife. The baby squirrels are just adorable! xo Karen

4 Lettre Words said...

Wow...that is so awesome, Donna! Beautiful captures!

Beth said...

Great post, Donna! We have certified our garden as well. I find it quite rewarding to watch the birds and butterflies...waiting for the orioles to arrive any day now...the oranges and grape jelly are out. :)
We had a turkey in our yard one day last week. Now that was a surprise!

Cynthia said...

Donna so wonderful that you look out for nature. We're learning to like it again. It's easier when you're not afraid of getting attacked by a bear.

Just bunnies, squirrels and rabbits at the new house

Cindy

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Donna,
That is so neat that your property is a cerfified wild life habitat. I think
ours could almost be too, we have a wooded back yard, and we used to have
wooded sideyards until the 3 in a row
hurricanes hit us 9 yrs or so ago. We don't have any creeks or anything tho,
just a bird bath, and I don't put bird
feeders out either. Mainly cause we have a kitty so think it might be more dangerous for them than not.
I so enjoy the wildlife around our
area too, especially in the spring.

Hope you are doing well hon.
Those cards with the Lavendar were
very pretty and a great idea as well.

Blessings, Nellie

Chris said...

Love your pictures of wildlife, Donna! Your place sounds heavenly!

Becky said...

What wonderful photos Donna. Thanks for sharing.

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

It's always a pleasure to visit your pretty blog Donna! I love your squirrel photos, how cute they are those little rascals! And good for you on the habitat designation. I did that in my little ole city garden where I used to live. Goodness knows I should here, too, where all manner of wildlife abound (much of which isn't very welcome!)

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I meant to comment on this sooner but got behind. How nice that you have had this certification issued! I think my yard might qualify for this too! The baby squirrels are so cute with their oversized feet! Happy Spring Donna! XX, Liz

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