eBirdseed.com Wild Bird Feeding Blog

I SAW A SMALL NOTICE in the local paper that "Gardening for Wildlife" was the scheduled topic for the January evening meeting of the Fallbrook Garden Club. I decided to go and hear retired chef and teacher George Yackey, a master gardener who often speaks on behalf of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

MR. YACKEY INTRODUCED a whole new concept to me -- that of creating your own Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Not only creating and providing it, but getting it officially recognized and certified as such by the NWF. According to Mr. Yackey, there are thousands of these registered backyard wildlife habitats across the country.

AN OFFICIAL NWF "WILDLIFE STEWARD," Mr. Yackey helps people get their habitat certified. Large yards or gardens are not necessary. He told of one woman who certified her 5' x 9' condo balcony.

THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION looks for 5 elements:

1. Food for wild birds (and other wildlife)

2. Water

3. Cover or shelter

4. A place to raise young

5. Sustainable gardening practices, such as using native plants and eliminating chemicals

Shown are "training aids" for the presentation, a birdhouse and a native plant for this area, the California Wild Rose.

PLEASE VISIT http://www.nwf.org/bwh for more information and application procedures.

THE NWF WILL RECOGNIZE your dedication in creating a place for your wild birds and other creatures. When your habitat is certified, you'll receive a personalized Certificate of Achievement, recognizing your yard as part of the national registry of Backyard Wildlife Habitat sites.

You can also proudly display this sign to show your dedication to our wild creatures.

AFTER HEARING THIS PRESENTATION and reviewing the website and literature, I highly encourage those who read these posts to get involved in this program!

California Kathryn
Fallbrook, CA
http://www.wildernessimpressions.com