Gardening for Water and Wildlife [H1]
Conducted through a partnership between the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) and National Wildlife Federation, the Gardening for Water and Wildlife program provides local and national recognition for properties that meet five criteria necessary for wildlife. By providing these habitat essentials you can support a wide range of wildlife species in your own outdoor space.

Gardening for Water and Wildlife Matters

Butterflies, birds, and pollinators are disappearing at alarming rates because of habitat loss and chemical use. Native plants are the foundation of wildlife habitat and support two times as much wildlife as areas with primarily turf lawn. In addition:

• Lawnmowers emit 11 times more pollution than a new car (assuming both are gas-powered)
• Nationally over 2 million habitat acres are lost annually to development and agriculture.
• Lawns cover 40 million acres of U.S. land, more than any single crop.
• Home lawns use 10 times more herbicide per acre than agriculture.

Your property can be part of the solution to rebuild this lost habitat. Across Delaware, thousands of properties have already committed to stewarding their spaces for water and wildlife – join us and become one of these Certified Wildlife Habitats™.

How to Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat [H2]

Start with these easy steps

1. Provide Food: Choose native trees, shrubs, and flowers that offer nectar, berries, or seeds for birds, butterflies, and small mammals. 
2. Supply Water: Add a water source such as a rain garden, shallow pond, or birdbath for drinking and bathing.
3. Create Cover: Include evergreens, rock piles, or brush for protection from weather and predators.
4. Create Safe Spaces to Raise Young. Offer nesting spots like shrubs, trees, or hollow logs where wildlife can safely raise their young.
5. Garden Sustainably: Use compost, reduce chemicals, and install rain barrels to manage runoff and improve soil health.

Gardening Resources [H3]

These guides and references can help you get started:

• Native Plant Sale Catalog
• Plants for Birds
• Plants for Pollinators
• Plants for Rain Gardens
• Native Trees and Shrubs for Delaware
• More Resources to Help You Garden for Clean Water and Wildlife Habitats
• Mt. Cuba Center Native Plant Finder
• Tips for Healthy Wildlife and Clean Water
• Native Plants for Difficult Situations
• Native Plant Gardening Native Perennials

Water Conservation Tips [H2]

Protecting water starts in your own yard.

•  Use a rain garden with water-loving native plants to capture runoff.
• Install a rain barrel to collect and reuse rain water.
• Use the Home Water Use Calculator to learn how much water you use.

Get Certified [H2]
Once created, you can officially certify your garden, schoolyard, or community space as a Certified Wildlife Habitat Community or Schoolyard Habitat® through a simple application process.

How to Apply:

1.    Print out and complete this application form [link to PDF: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://delawarenaturesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/HabitatCertificationApplication7_2025.pdf]

2.    Mail your form and payment as directed on the form.

3.    Receive your certification and habitat sign.

For questions, please contact:

Kerry Wilson

Habitat Outreach Manager

302-413-5070

Certified Wildlife Habitat Communities [H3]
When enough properties in one area are certified, entire neighborhoods can become National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitats™.

Delaware proudly celebrates the following as Certified Wildlife Communities:

• Townsend
• Newark
• The Ardens
• Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway
• Slaughter Beach