Create Wildlife Habitat

Backyard Habitats Help Wildlife

Every patch of restored native habitat, even small ones, helps create a connected habitat for birds and other wildlife. Greater habitat connectivity with a diversity of native plants means animals are able to travel between these patches to find food, shelter and other needs that help them adapt and survive amid a changing climate.

Rockville is a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat

In 2016, Rockville was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as the 88th certified Community Wildlife Habitat in the United States. Over 200 residents and property owners helped achieve the certification by making their garden a safe haven for wildlife and pollinators. Click the image to view a map of Certified Wildlife Habitats in Rockville.

Rockville Wildlife Habitat Certifications (2022)

Community Wildlife Habitat Map 2022

Certify Your Greenspace

Join the effort by providing the five habitat elements below at your home, community garden, business, school or place of worship. Download the Garden Certification Walk-through Checklist and view the links below to get started and then certify your habitat to be counted as part of the city's community certification.

Food

All living things need to eat to survive, so food sources are a critical component of wildlife habitat.

Water

All animals need water to survive and some need it for bathing or breeding as well. Frogs may need a small pond, but even small water features help wildlife. 

Cover

Wildlife need places to take shelter from bad weather and places to hide from predators or hunt for prey. Shrubs, wildflower gardens and rock walls all help to protect wildlife. 

Places to Raise Young

Wildlife need resources to protect and nourish their young. Nesting boxes for birds, milkweed for caterpillars, or ponds for frogs all create essential places to safely feed and nurture the next generation of their species. 

Sustainable Practices

Maintain your yard or garden in natural ways and limit the use of herbicides and insecticides.

Impact of Wildlife Gardens

GFW-vs-Conventional-Yard-graphic

Wildlife Habitat Resources