BACKYARD WILDLIFE
HABITAT™ PROGRAM
Through the Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ program, the Delaware Nature
Society can help you discover how to provide an oasis for local birds and
butterflies while helping to improve the State’s water quality in your own
backyard.
The Program provides official certification for gardens and properties that meet four criteria necessary for
wildlife habitat -- food, water, cover, and places to raise young -- and that implement resource conservation
practices.
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Why create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat™?
Help the environment: Improve water quality, Reduce habitat fragmentation, Save money.
Receive FREE technical assistance from Delaware Nature Society Habitat Stewards to help evaluate your
property and suggest ways to attract wildlife and help water quality.
Educate and inspire others in your community to also create habitat and garden in an environmentally sound
manner.
Display a beautiful, Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ yard sign from the Delaware Nature Society (pictured
below).
Expand your knowledge of gardening and ecology through quarterly publications, providing you tips and
projects to maintain your habitat site year after year.
Receive a personalized certificate, recognizing your yard as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ site.
Have the opportunity to become a volunteer Habitat Steward.
CONTACT US
John Harrod, Backyard Habitat Coordinator
Delaware Nature Society
P.O. Box 700 · Hockessin, DE 19707
(tel) 302-239-2334
john@delawarenaturesociety.org
In Delaware, the Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ program is offered
through a partnership between the National Wildlife Federation
(NWF), its state affiliate the Delaware Nature Society, the
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control.
BACKYARD WILDLIFE
HABITAT™ PROGRAM
How to participate in the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program
1. Complete the National Wildlife Federation's Application for Certification
- After reviewing the application, you can contact the Delaware Nature Society’s Backyard Habitat
Coordinator John Harrod, at 302-239-2334 ext. 142 to schedule a free consultation by a trained Habitat
Steward.
2. Complete the Delaware Nature Society’s Nonpoint Source
Pollution Checklist.
- In Delaware we are working to protect the quality of our drinking
water, but we need your help. Please indicate all of the
conservation practices you are using around your property.
3. Send all completed materials (National Wildlife Federation
Application & Delaware Nature Society Nonpoint Source Pollution
Checklist) to:
Backyard Habitat Program
Delaware Nature Society
Attn: John Harrod
P.O. Box 700
Hockessin, DE 19707
4. Remember to submit the $15 program enrollment fee with your completed materials (check or money
order payable to the National Wildlife Federation).
- This non-refundable fee covers the National Wildlife Federation’s processing and handling costs. Please
allow six to eight weeks for processing the application.