WILDLIFE fRIENDLY CERTIFICATION

Download the Wildlife Friendly Certification Program Brochure or read it online.

Our Wildlife Friendly Certification Program provides technical assistance to landowners and developers creating Wildlife Habitat Plans. Promoting the preservation, enhancement, and restoration of wildlife habitat, especially in urban and suburban areas, this program not only aims to minimize the loss of habitat in developing areas but also raise the public's awareness and knowledge of the benefits of wildlife habitat. IWF provides public support through signage and media opportunities at the end of the certification process.

Integrating natural resource conservation when 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 enhance wildlife habitat.

AmeriPlex-Indianapolis Indiana’s First Wildlife-Friendly Development	Central Park, Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation

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.

Through our certification program, you will create a sustainably habitat for a variety of wildlife. We work with landowners to implement 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.

Union Twp. Fire Department	Clay Township Regional Waste District

Besides our core habitat components, the Wildlife Friendly Certification Program values other conservation practices that may indirectly affect 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.

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