County Gardeners Extension Express
Garden Recognitions
With increased urbanization, homeowners have incorporated more wildlife friendly elements into their landscape. A balanced habitat creates a natural system of checks and balances by promoting a diverse wildlife population. A way to encourage a wildlife friendly landscape is to acquire recognitions for your garden.
One option is to become a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. With this certification your wildlife garden should include food, cover, water, places to raise young, and be maintained through sustainable practices.
By becoming certified as a Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch, you can support monarch butterfly conservation and be included in the Monarch Waystation Registry. With this certification your habitat should have sufficient size, sun exposure, milkweed plants, shelter, nectar plants, and proper management.
The last recognition I am going to talk about today is registering your garden with the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail. This program is inspired by Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter to help propagate monarch butterfly habitats. Your garden should include host plants, nectar plants, and a habitat conducive for a healthy butterfly lifecycle.
