Advocacy

Conservation Through Action

Join the movement to protect and restore Central Texas ecosystems. Learn how your garden can become a certified wildlife habitat and support organizations making a real difference in our community.

Certify Your Garden as a Wildlife Habitat

Transform your space into an official National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. Even small gardens can make a big difference for local wildlife when they provide the right elements.

Why Certify Your Habitat?

  • Official recognition of your conservation efforts
  • Support for local wildlife populations
  • Connection to a national conservation network
  • Educational value for neighbors and community

Certification Benefits

  • Native habitats support 2x more wildlife than traditional lawns
  • Minimum 70% native plants recommended for maximum impact
  • Any size space can qualify - from balconies to large yards
  • Simple 5-minute online application process
Start Certification Process

Five Essential Elements for Certification

1

Provide Food Sources

Native plants provide nectar, pollen, berries, and seeds that wildlife species have evolved to eat.

Requirements:
  • Plant native flowers for pollinators
  • Include berry-producing shrubs
  • Maintain seed-producing plants
  • Provide plants for different seasons
Texas-Specific Tips:
  • Texas Bluebonnets provide nectar in spring
  • Agarita berries feed birds in summer
  • Sunflowers provide seeds for fall migration
  • Maintain some "messy" areas with seed heads
2

Supply Water Sources

All wildlife needs clean water for drinking, bathing, and reproduction.

Requirements:
  • Birdbath, fountain, or pond
  • Shallow areas for small wildlife
  • Fresh, clean water year-round
  • Multiple water sources for larger properties
Texas-Specific Tips:
  • Add rocks to birdbaths for insect access
  • Change water regularly to prevent mosquitoes
  • Consider native plants that collect dew
  • Rain gardens can provide seasonal water
3

Create Places for Cover

Wildlife needs shelter from weather and predators, and safe places to raise their young.

Requirements:
  • Dense shrubs or thickets
  • Evergreen plants for winter cover
  • Brush or rock piles
  • Native ground cover
Texas-Specific Tips:
  • Layer plants from ground cover to canopy
  • Leave some fallen logs and leaf litter
  • Native bunch grasses provide nesting material
  • Avoid over-tidying natural areas
4

Provide Places to Raise Young

Wildlife needs secure locations to build nests and dens for raising their offspring.

Requirements:
  • Native trees for nesting birds
  • Dense shrubs for ground-nesting species
  • Undisturbed soil areas
  • Host plants for butterfly larvae
Texas-Specific Tips:
  • Texas native oaks support 200+ caterpillar species
  • Avoid pruning during nesting season (March-August)
  • Include host plants like milkweed for monarchs
  • Create quiet zones away from high traffic
5

Garden Sustainably

Use practices that maintain healthy soil, conserve water, and minimize chemical inputs.

Requirements:
  • Eliminate or reduce pesticides
  • Use organic fertilizers
  • Conserve water with native plants
  • Remove invasive species
Texas-Specific Tips:
  • Native plants require fewer inputs once established
  • Composting reduces waste and improves soil
  • Integrated pest management protects beneficial insects
  • Mulching conserves water and suppresses weeds

Local Conservation Organizations

🌼

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Leading research and conservation organization dedicated to using native plants to address environmental problems.

Local Connection:

Based in Austin with 279 acres of demonstration gardens and research facilities.

Impact & Achievements:

  • Over 50 years of native plant research
  • Maintains the largest native plant database in Texas
  • Operates as 501(c)(3) conservation organization
  • Educates thousands of visitors annually about native ecosystems

How You Can Help:

  • Become a member to support research and conservation
  • Volunteer for habitat restoration projects
  • Attend educational workshops and plant sales
  • Donate to support native plant research
🌳

TreeFolks

Empowering Central Texans to build stronger communities by planting and caring for trees.

Local Connection:

Grassroots Austin organization focused on urban forest enhancement and community building.

Impact & Achievements:

  • Every $3 donation helps plant a new tree
  • Provides cleaner air, water, and wildlife habitats
  • Community tree planting events throughout Austin
  • Education programs for schools and neighborhoods

How You Can Help:

  • Participate in community tree planting events
  • Request a tree planting for your neighborhood
  • Volunteer for ongoing tree care and maintenance
  • Support through donations or Carbon+ Credits program
🌿

Native Plant Society of Texas

Promoting research, conservation, and utilization of native plants and plant communities of Texas.

Local Connection:

Austin chapter hosts regular meetings, plant sales, and educational events for Central Texas gardeners.

Impact & Achievements:

  • Maintains comprehensive native plant database
  • Supports habitat restoration across Texas
  • Provides certification programs for landscapers
  • Advocates for native plant policies

How You Can Help:

  • Join local Austin chapter meetings
  • Participate in plant rescues and seed collection
  • Support native plant sales and exchanges
  • Advocate for native plant policies in your city

Take Action Today

Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the health of our local ecosystem. Here's how you can make a difference right now.

Plant Native

Replace even one non-native plant with a Texas native to support local wildlife.

Volunteer

Join local habitat restoration projects and tree planting events in Austin.

Get Certified

Certify your garden as a wildlife habitat and inspire your neighbors.

Questions About Conservation in Your Area?

Connect with our local conservation expert for guidance on habitat creation and certification.

Sarah Flautt

✉️ info@atxnativegardener.com

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