Would you pay to have your yard certified as "Backyard Wildlife Habitat?"?

Question

The National Wildlife Federation has a certification program; cost to participate is $15. Getting the sign for bragging rights is more. They have over 77,000 yards certified nationally. Their goal is 100,000.

I finally signed on as I think it would send a good message to the neighbors and perhaps inspire someone else to garden for wildlife.

Answer 1

It is pretty simple, there is an online form to fill out, you pay your fee and get your sign and no one comes to check up on you. I did it in NC. You have to have what they ask for and then they will tell you if your yard qualifies. Water, nesting, protection etc.

Answer 2

First of all, I have numerous feeders around my yard and I plant berry and seed producing plants.........so I'm a birder. I don't need a little sign for my yard. However, if your yard is radically different than the neighborhood, then maybe the sign will help explain to the neighbors why you favor groundcovers, shrubs and flowers to manicured lawns. And hopefully will help you if your neighbors take you to court for having a messy yard. Won't happen? Ha! Every year many people run afoul (no pun intended) of homeowner or community restrictions for "weedy" yards.

Who knows, maybe the sign will encourage others in the neighborhood to join you. $15 isn't too bad, anymore than that and I'd balk too.

Answer 3

No. My satisfaction is in knowing that my yard is a great wildlife habitat. I dont want my home "advertised" because I dont want the State Park experience. People come and look, swipe your plants and seeds, leave their garbage on your property etc. Stealing rare plants was an actual occupation where I used to live...Illinois. People also stole seed from the Morton Arboretum. Believe it or not, spys had to be posted at Morton to keep people from stealing plants and seeds. I think I will just enjoy my plants and animals and not invite spectators. All friends are welcome.

Answer 4

It is a nice token but I think I cannot do it as I have a huge high fence around my home. Wildlife that can fly can get in my yard but not the rest, oh and toads get in my yard, so I guess I am Toad Haven Habitat.

Answer 5

I looked at that program last year. Between you and I, and from what I gathered, they were willing to "certify" any yard with a birdbath. I'd rather just donate to them than have some sign on my suburban lot...

Answer 6

i never would do it. the only message you will send to the neighbors is not to do what you did(sorry) the problems with all the environmentalists that will keep track of everything you do now,to preserve natural habitat,is going to be a pain.they tell you what you do. it's not your yard anymore.they can even tell you not to mow the grass! good luck.

Answer 7

No way. I do not need the EVO freaks to tell me that I have wildlife in my yard and control how and what I can do in my own yard.

I already know that I have critters and I take care of them as I see fit.

Answer 8

Absolutely not. Now you are severely limited in what you can or can't do with YOUR yard. Trying to be environmentally friendly is one thing, having the government tell me I can't put in a patio or deck is something else.

Answer 9

Sounds like an ego thing to me. What is the money going for? If the NWF would use my funds for some liberal pursuits to restrict my freedoms, no, I would not pay.

Answer 10

To answer your question, Yes I would. :) However I don't have a garden so it's probably not much good for me, but I am definitely going to check out the link.