Garden for Wildlife
Certified wildlife habitats in Montana gardens.
Photo: Michael Clingan
Garden for Wildlife is a national program started by the National Wildlife Federation 45 years ago. The program has more than 200 Certified Community Wildlife Habitats throughout the nation and has made an impact on over 150 million acres of suburban and urban habitat.
Given the current climate crisis and the significant decline in species diversity in the past few years, the Montana Wildlife Federation found it pertinent to start engaging Montana’s citizens to help make the biggest city in the state more wildlife-friendly.
In order to certify Billings as a Community Wildlife Habitat, we need to get over 400 certification points. Points are obtained by creating certified wildlife habitats in different places throughout the city.
At home gardens – 1 point
Public Spaces – 3 points
Schools – 5 points
A wildlife habitat needs to meet certain qualifications in order to be eligible for certification. Each wildlife habitat needs food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainable practices. To see a full checklist of what is needed to certify your garden.
Our garden for wildlife program has an outreach team that meets monthly to talk about strategies and plans for the success of the program. Interested in joining our outreach team? Email our Eastern Montana Field Coordinator at mpetrich@mtwf.org.
Check out our Billings community and the progress we have made toward certifying!
At A Glance
Check out our Billings community and the progress we have made toward certifying!
Each wildlife habitat needs food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainable practices.
Helping to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our Work
Healthy fish and wildlife populations depend on high-quality, intact habitat. The Montana Wildlife Federation works to protect habitat on public and private lands throughout the state. We advocate for scientifically-based land management and conservation of wild lands and wild waters.
Latest Garden for Wildlife: Certified Wildlife Habitats News
Make A Difference
Your generous donation supports Montana Wildlife Federation’s work conserving our wildlife, wild places, and hunting and angling opportunities for current and future generations.
