This well-built pond serves as a water source and habitat for wildlife.

The Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, wants to make sure more than just humans enjoy gardening.

The program began in 1973 and continues to provide information and resources to affect gardening that supports wildlife. It encourages American homeowners to manage their gardens and yards for wildlife.

Maintaining healthy and diverse animal habitats and ecosystems for wildlife and insect population supports a healthy, natural world.

Agriculture depends on pollinators such as honeybees and birds that feed on pollen and nectar. Providing abundant food sources to nature results in greater harvests for backyard gardeners and commercial growers.

In addition, wildlife habitats help to preserve threatened species such as honeybees and monarch butterflies.

Four elements are needed for certification as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat: food, water, cover and places to raise young.

Food sources for wildlife are abundant. A bird feeder is the easiest way to provide food, but a gardener can also plant berries, sunflowers and perennial flowers such as cone flowers (Echinacea purpura). Coneflowers are native perennials whose flowers and seeds draw butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden.Water can be supplied by natural features such as streams, ponds, or wetlands, or by human-made features such as bird baths or garden ponds.Cover is needed to protect wildlife from weather and predators. At least two shelters are required for program certification. Most yards naturally have more than enough cover, including ground cover plants, rock piles, walls, evergreens and brush or log piles.Two locations are needed for wildlife to engage in courtship behavior, mate and then bear and raise their young. Mature trees, wetlands, nesting boxes, dense foliage, dead trees or a thicket meet this requirement. Even host plants for caterpillars are considered places to raise young wildlife.After establishing a wildlife habitat, sustainable practices are necessary for ongoing maintenance. The National Wildlife Federation advocates employing one or more sustainability practices, such as soil and water conservation and controlling exotic plant species.Water conservation is achieved by capturing rain water from downspouts into rain barrels. Other water conservation practices include water-wise landscaping (xeriscape) and using a drip or soak hose for irrigation.Above-ground gardens prevent soil erosion due to rain runoff.

Control of exotic plant species requires identifying these species throughout their life cycles and manually removing them. Practicing integrated pest management and removing non-native plants also are effective options.Whenever possible, mulch around plants and shrubs, incorporate native plants to your habitat and compost garden waste.To learn more about creating a backyard wildlife habit, or to learn more about the Backyard Wildlife Habitat certification process, visit the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org). Penn State Extension Master Gardeners offers a pollinator-friendly garden certification (www.extension.psu.edu), which focuses on pollinators and native plants for the landscape.If you have more questions about gardening for wildlife or pollinators, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.Larry Sassone, a lifelong gardener, is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County apprentice.

Larry Sassone is a lifelong gardener and a Butler County Master Gardener apprentice.submitted photo