Latest News Issues Programs About Us Ways to Give Donate Create and Certify Your Own Wildlife Habitat Gardening for wildlife is fun, inexpensive, and an easy way to make a lasting impact for wildlife Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to wildlife habitat conservation, big and small. So, we’ve partnered with National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to help you create a wildlife haven in your own yard—whether you have a rolling rural property, a tiny urban lot, or a container garden on your balcony. But you don’t have to stop at home. You can even take on certifying your school, your church, or even your entire community—just like Knoxville did. After all, 90 percent of Tennessee’s land is in private hands. That means providing the basics for our diverse wildlife is up to you! Get started with NWF! Every Certified Wildlife Habitat provides wildlife the essentials Food Native plants provide food eaten by a variety of wildlife. Feeders can supplement natural food sources. To certify, your habitat needs just three food sources, such as foliage and pollen from native plants, a bird feeder, and suet. Water All animals need water to survive, and some need it for bathing or breeding as well. To certify, your habitat needs at least one water source, such as a stream, bird bath, or butterfly puddling area. Cover Wildlife need places to take shelter from bad weather, hide from predators, or hunt for prey. To certify, your habitat needs a minimum of two places to find shelter, such as dense shrubs, a brush pile, or a wooded area. Places to Raise Young Wildlife needs resources to reproduce as well as to protect and nourish their young. To certify, your habitat needs at least two places wildlife can raise young, such as a nesting box, mature trees, or a thicket. Sustainable Practices Maintain your yard or garden in natural ways to ensure soil, air, and water stay healthy and clean. To certify, you need to use at least two sustainable practices, such as soil and water conservation, controlling exotic species, and organic maintenance methods. With the help of Tony Lance, our resident naturalist, ornithologist and gardening guru, you can put your commitment to conservation in action. When we each do our part, we can keep Tennessee the most biologically diverse inland state in the country. Get started with NWF! The application processing fee is just $20 and you’ll receive a certificate to designate your newly Certified Wildlife Habitat. You’ll also receive exclusive NWF member benefits while supporting conservation statewide. Meet Tony Previously a naturalist for the Nashville Park system, Tony Lance joined the Federation in 2011. A longtime birder and beekeeper, Tony is most at home being outdoors hiking and backpacking. In 1999, he checked a major goal off his “bucket list” by completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Tony has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Have questions about certifying your wildlife habitat? Send him a message! ? Take future action with a single click. Log in or Sign up for FastAction First Name Last Name ZIP Code Email Phone (Optional) Yes, sign me up for email updates. Remember me so that I can use FastAction next time. How can Tony help? Photo credits (from top to bottom): Lucy Banks, Cal Calloway, Joann McBee, Ricky McCulley, Priscilla Morris, Linda B. Poole First Name (Optional) Last Name (Optional) ZIP Code (Optional) Enter your email address 300 Orlando Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37209 (615) 353-1133 © 2021 Tennessee Wildlife Federation Donate for Wildlife Take Action Volunteer for Wildlife Create a Wildlife Habitat Fundraise for Wildlife Programs Media Resources Latest News Contact Privacy We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cookie settings ACCEPT