Attract beautiful native species to your yard, patio, or balcony
Program focus areas
The Certified Backyard Habitat program focuses on these areas to grow sustainable and supportive environments for wildlife and future generations. Ready to enroll in the program? ASWP Members click here and Non Members click here.
Incorporate native plants
Native plants are the foundation of a healthy habitat, providing important roosting and nesting spots for birds, and food from nuts and seeds to fruit, nectar, and insects. Habitat layers, also called vertical structure, provide places for birds to hide from predators, locations to nest and sources of nesting material, and helps to ensure food sources are available throughout the seasons.
Reduce the possibility of threats
In addition to habitat loss, threats such as outdoor cats, window collisions, light pollution, climate change, invasive species, and widespread pesticide use are contributing to significant declines in bird populations. By addressing the threats in our backyards, we help to ensure that we are helping wildlife to thrive.
Wildlife stewardship
Birds, pollinators, and wildlife are faced with surviving in an increasingly challenging landscape. By taking extra steps to make your backyard even more hospitable for birds and pollinators, you can help ensure their success.
Clean water
Clean water practices support healthy habitat and healthy rivers and streams. Many birds rely on clean streams for food and nesting habitat. Many other creatures such as frogs, dragonflies, beavers, and trout rely on clean streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes to survive. And most Pennsylvanians rely on streams and rivers for drinking water. It is important that each of us do our part to help protect our streams and rivers – your backyard is a perfect place to get started.
Homeowner engagement
Once you get started on your Backyard Habitat, we’re sure that you will want to learn more and share your passion and excitement with friends and neighbors. You may take native plant classes, participate in a community science program, recruit neighbors to participate in the program, or advocate for bird habitat in your community. There are many ways to fulfill the education and engagement program requirements.
What to learn more?
Get an in-depth look at our Certified Backyard Habitat program and its impact with this Story Map.
How the program works
Enrollment for the 2025 Certified Backyard Habitat is now open!
ASWP Members: Enroll here!
Non Members: Click here to enroll!
Have questions? please email cbh@aswp.org.
Certified Backyard Habitat FAQ
What are the three certification levels?
The Certified Backyard Habitat Program has three certification levels:
- Habitat Guardian (Silver)
- Habitat Champion (Gold)
- Habitat Hero (Platinum)
Each level is centered around five focus areas: Native Plants, Natural Products, Wildlife Stewardship, Clean Water, and Homeowner Engagement.
Where are our Certified Backyard Habitats?
Click to view the Story Map for an interactive experience
Where can I learn more about the Certified Backyard Habitat Program?
Get an in-depth look at our Certified Backyard Habitat program and its impact with this Story Map.
