Certifications
Here are the certifications we have achieved or are actively working towards. We earned these by meeting the requirements, operating within guidelines, and adopting recommendations of the following organizations. We promote awareness of and support the goals of these programs and are proud to have been recognized for our efforts with our Wild Backyard. Earning these certifications is not just rewarding and a source of pride but also guide us as we continue restoring the ecosystem and healing Nature in our backyard.
Many of the requirements of the various programs necessarily overlap. After all, the goal is to benefit the environment. Whether trying to restore a backyard or nurture a single species everything is intrinsically entwined.
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Summit Metro Parks and the Wild Backyard program Summit Metro Parks
Wild Back Yards - Summit Metro Parks
The first program we followed and continues to be our "go-to" guide and inspiration. Complimenting the Wild Backyard achievements are the many excellent educational programs and resources. This program is an inclusive habitat builder rather than focusing on benefits of particular wildlife.
We are currently working towards their "Expert Level."
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Homegrown National Park (Doug Tallamy) Home - Homegrown National Park - Regenerate Biodiversity
The Biodiversity Map - Homegrown National Park
An organization leading the movement to create a "new culture where we all make a difference in our habitats." HNP advocates for making changes to benefit the environment that nurture and heal through restoration. Co-founder Prof. Tallamy is a leading advocate of the movement to restore back--and front--yards. Prof. Tallamy's books make strong points, and we draw inspiration and maintain momentum through his work.
We proudly registered our Wild Backyard with their group to be included in the movement and hopefully inspire others.
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National Wildlife Federation National Wildlife Federation
"Ensuring Wildlife, People, and Ecosystems Thrive." Wildlife recovery and habitat restoration is just one point of focus. Getting certified by them is largely an act of support and solidarity. None-the-less meeting their criteria was important for us as we work to make our home more inviting and beneficial to wildlife that is under pressure from habitat fragmentation and diminishing resources.
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cornell Lab of Ornithology—Home | Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Growing Wild: Gardening for Birds and Nature | Bird Academy • The Cornell Lab
We look forward to learning how our Wild Backyard can better benefit birds. Achieving certification will be reassuring and serve as a reminded of our obligations.
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Xerces Society The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Pollinator Partnership Homepage | Pollinator.org
Bee Friendly Gardening Bee Friendly Gardening | Pollinator.org
Pollinator Steward Certification Pollinator Steward Certification (PSC) | Pollinator.org
We have registered with the Xerces Society and are using their resources as we create our Wild Backyard. Additionally, we are actively working to achieve certifications for supporting pollinators in general, and native bees specifically.
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North American Butterfly Association NABA - North American Butterfly Association
Butterfly Garden Certification Program - North American Butterfly Association
We have applied for certification with this program. As we establish our Wild Backyard we hope to meet and maintain an environment that supports butterflies.
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Monarch Waystation Program Monarch Watch
Monarch Watch Monarch Waystation Program
In addition to the NABA certification, we are working to provide an environment that supports this flagship specie. We will be providing essential food and shelter for this widely recognized and important butterfly. We look forward to meeting the condition to become certified.​
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Firefly.org Firefly.org | Firefly & Lightning Bug Facts, Pictures, Information
How to Build Firefly Habitat | Firefly.org
Certified and looking forward to providing increased habitat to support fireflies!
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