A Gardener’s Notebook posts that The National Wildlife Federation has a section of their site dedicated to information about turning your backyard into a Wildlife Habitat.

You are even able to have your backyard certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

The NWF site has loads of helpful information for those interested.

Link: Backyard Wildlife Habitat

The five elements required for Backyard Wildlife Habitat certification are listed below:

• Food - Grow native vegetation — like locally native shrubs, trees and other plants that produce acorns, berries and other seeds — to supply food for wildlife. For birds, feeders can supplement natural food sources.


• Water - Provide a constant, reliable source of water with a birdbath, pond or shallow dish. Most wildlife need water for drinking and bathing.
  
• Cover - Create cover for wildlife with densely branched shrubs, hollow logs, rock piles, brush piles, stone walls, evergreens, meadow grasses and deep water. This will protect wildlife against the elements and predators.
  
• Places to Raise Young - Offer wildlife safe places for courtship and nurturing young. Mature trees can provide den sites for squirrels and nesting places for birds. Host plants for caterpillars will ensure the presence of butterflies in your habitat. Salamanders, frogs and toads will thrive in a pond or water garden.


• Sustainable Gardening Practices - The way you garden or manage your landscape impacts wildlife in your yard and your entire neighborhood. Planting natives, reducing chemicals and building healthy soil are just some of the things you can do to help wildlife and conserve natural resources.