CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Wildlife Friendly Certification Program

Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) has developed a fee-based certification program providing technical assistance regarding the development of Wildlife Habitat Plans. This program is called the “Wildlife-Friendly Certification Program”. The goal of the program is to promote the preservation, enhancement, and restoration of wildlife habitat, especially in urban and suburban areas. Through this program we not only aim to minimize the loss of habitat in developing areas but also raise the public's awareness and knowledge of the benefits that these habitat areas provide. Along with this certification, IWF provides public support through signage and media opportunities.

The integration of natural resource conservation with developing environments can be challenging, but is valuable to the quality of life in the area. Working with the natural lay of the land, avoiding established trees, and recognizing the importance of wetlands all create greater opportunities to enhance wildlife habitat. Mature trees and shrubs offer food, shelter, and a place to raise young for many birds, butterflies, and small mammals. Water, whether offered through the protection of an existing lake or stream, through reestablishment of wetlands, or through proper plantings
around retention ponds, also offers many of the basic needs of wildlife.

Our program criteria are centered on the three key components of wildlife habitat: food, cover, and water. Our point-based criteria incorporate percent area coverage of each habitat component.
The ideal end product is a habitat that is able to sustain a variety of wildlife. We try to accomplish this by providing multiple habitat types at a single site, as well as a variety of food sources
throughout the year. Also, because water is arguably the most important component of wildlife habitat, our program stresses the availability and wise management of water features. For example,
we look to manage stormwater on-site, provide for better wildlife accessibility through gentle sloping banks, and establish vegetated shorelines for soil stabilization, water quality, and wildlife
cover.

Besides our core habitat components, the new program also values other conservation practices that may have a more indirect effect on wildlife and their habitat. Examples of such practices
include water conservation practices (e.g. rain barrel, rain garden, conservative irrigation practices, etc.) and composting. The Wildlife-Friendly Certification Program is available to a variety of
entities including: developments, workplaces, neighborhoods, communities, and parks.

AmeriPlex-Indianapolis,

Indiana’s First Wildlife-Friendly Development

Receive the Following Benefits:

• Technical assistance regarding site planning, species selection, and habitat management.
• A customized Wildlife Habitat Plan that details establishment and maintenance guidelines that will achieve project objectives. This plan will also include a site map showing the layout of the habitat.
• Networking regarding the acquisition of any materials, equipment, funding, or services that are needed to implement the Wildlife Habitat Plan.
• Coordination of labor efforts to assist with implementation of the Wildlife Habitat Plan Informational materials and guidance documents regarding wildlife-friendly practices for the purpose of education.
• Signage recognizing certification
• IWF annual membership for all members of the Habitat Team

Special Thanks to our

Program Sponsor

Laura Hare Charitable Trust