The four basic elements of a wildlife habitat landscape are food, water, cover and places to raise young.

To address a concerns for what the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) calls "wildlife habitat loss and fragmentation," the organization has announced a new certification under its Certified Wildlife Habitat program: "Wildlife Landscaping Professional."

"We're partnering with professional landscapers to promote sound wildlife conservation efforts through their business practices," explains Jaime Matyas, executive vice president and COO of NWF. "This program connects homeowners, schools, businesses and others with professionals who can help them create an outdoor space that will serve as a haven for wildlife for years to come."

The program engages professionals who commit to becoming more sustainable in their business practices, and encourage wildlife in their communities through their services to homeowners, businesses, schools, churches, parks and other institutions.

Wildlife-friendly landscapes and gardens are about keeping water and air resources clean, are healthier for people and the environment, and less resource-dependent than conventional landscapes.

"There's no more rewarding way of helping wildlife than by restoring habitat in our cities and towns," said David Mizejewski, a NWF naturalist. "Whether it's in our own backyards, a local schoolyard or park, or even a corporate landscape, any place that can support a garden can attract colorful birds, beautiful butterflies and other wildlife. There's no better way of connecting with nature than stepping out the door into a wildlife-friendly garden."

Apart from receiving the professional certification, recipients also receive marketing resources, join the nation's largest wildlife gardening network, comprising more than four million members, and are profiled on NWF's searchable database as a Certified Wildlife Landscaping Professional.

The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization. Jay Norwood Darling convinced President Roosevelt to convene the first North American Wildlife Conference in 1936. From that conference and Darling's leadership came the General Wildlife Federation, the forerunner of the National Wildlife Federation. Darling was its first president.

For more information visit www.nwf.org/landscapers.