Certified Backyard Habitat

Learn how to make your space a welcoming environment for local wildlife! In this series, we will guide you to qualify your backyard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

A certified backyard habitat contains the essential needs that wildlife need to thrive, including food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young.  Find out the upcoming schedule of Backyard Habitat programs and workshops using the resources below.  After you've joined a Backyard Habitat Series program (or a few!), you should have the information you need to certify your own space.  Registration may not open until closer to each program.  

Intro to Backyard Habitat
March 5, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Exploration Gateway

Helping wildlife one yard at a time! Urban sprawl has forced our native wildlife to relocate as their habitats change and disappear. As individuals, we may not be able to stop this trend, but we can help reintroduce wildlife back into our yards. This program is just one in a series of programs to help certify your backyard as a valuable and sustainable ecosystem for wildlife. Participants will receive instructions about getting their yard the "Certified Backyard Habitat" designation by Stark Parks naturalists.

Watershed Wise Landscaping
April 9, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Exploration Gateway

Join a representative from the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District as they explain how modern-day infrastructure affects our waterways and learn how you can turn your yard into a mini watershed to reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, minimize potential drainage issues, and attract pollinators.

Winterizing Your Backyard
Sept. 24, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Exploration Gateway

Getting your backyard ready for winter is key to protecting your plants and the wildlife that depends on them. Join a Stark Parks naturalist to learn practical tips for preparing your outdoor space for the colder months. 

Register for Programs

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Edit Form

Backyard Habitat Submission Form

Date Field

First & Last Name*?

Phone Number*?

Email Address*?

Address

City, State, Zip Code*?

About Your Site

Dimensions of Habitat/Garden Area*

Location Type*

Church

College/University

Home

School

Other

I hereby give permission of Stark Parks and its related agencies (Friends of Stark Parks and Your Stark Parks) to use photographs or videos taken by me for promotional purposes in media, including but not limited to, web site, social media sites, brochures, published advertisements, or promotional items. I understand these photos or video and information may also be shared with outside medias such as newspapers and television outlets.*

I agree

Upload Your Photo

Habitat Elements (In order to be certified, your habitat must display the 4 main elements: food, water, shelter and a place to raise young. Tell us about your habitat and the different plants/structures you used to invite the native wildlife back into your yard.)

Food (Need 3 Different Plants)*

Water (Need 1 Source)*

Shelter (Need 2 Structures)*

Places to Raise Young*

Describe, in detail, the sustainable practices you use to manage your garden (removal of non-native plants, rain barrel, composting, etc.*