Officials with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, reports Brad and Lorrie Rasmussen at Hygge Cottage and Tivoli Gardens in Atlantic (Iowa), have successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife Program.  In addition, the Rasmussen’s habitat has been co-certified with NWF’s state affiliate, the Iowa Wildlife Federation.

The NWF says its celebrates this effort to create a garden which supports birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, and other local wildlife.  Every Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden provides natural sources of food, water, cover, and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way which incorporates indigenous grasses and forbs, conserves water, and does not rely on pesticides.

NWF Naturalist David Mizejewski says “Anyone, anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own yards and communities. Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an urban yard, or a rural plot of land, you will make a difference for local wildlife.  Creating a Certified Wildlife is fun, easy, and makes a real difference for both humans and wildlife.  It’s the perfect grassroots way to think globally and act locally and help birds, butterflies, bees, and many other types of wildlife.”

For more information on NWF’s Garden for Wildlife movement and how to qualify to have a garden space recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, visit Garden for Wildlife or call 1-800-822-9919.