LAPLACE — Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) is partnering with National Wildlife Federation’s Garden For Wildlife program to increase habitat for backyard wildlife species and protect pollinator populations in Louisiana.

The Garden for Wildlife program provides education and certification for gardens that improve habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife — natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young.

Yards, schools, businesses, places of worship, campuses, parks, farms and other community-based landscapes can apply to be a Certified Wildlife Habitat garden through the program.

A Certified Wildlife Habitat garden is also part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, a national effort to create a million gardens that provide habitat for declining pollinator insects, like butterflies and bees.

David Mizejewski of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) said more than 200,000 wildlife gardeners have joined the Garden for Wildlife movement to help restore wildlife habitats in their yards and neighborhoods over the past four decades.

“Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an apartment balcony or a 10-acre farm, a schoolyard or a business park, everyone can create a home for local wildlife,” he said. “Turning your space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat is fun, easy and makes a real difference for neighborhood wildlife.”

Louisiana Wildlife Federation executive director Rebecca Triche encourages community participation, especially in restoring habitats for bees, butterflies and other insects that play a crucial role in ecosystem health.

NWF’s Garden for Wildlife program encourages responsible gardening that helps pollinators and other wildlife thrive. It encourages planting with native species like milkweed and discouraging chemical pesticide use.

For more information on gardening for wildlife and details on becoming certified in Louisiana, visit www.lawildlifefed.org or call 225-344-6707.