The National Wildlife Federation, a non-profit organization, which works to protect wildlife, has announced the launch of their new certification program for landscape professionals.

The National Wildlife Federation has announced the launch of their new certification program for landscaping professionals, which encourages wildlife conservation through landscaping practices.

Launched under the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program, landscaping professionals are now able to become a Certified Wildlife Landscaping Professional. Individuals must demonstrate a commitment to supporting ecologically sound and wildlife-friendly methods of landscaping in their businesses.

The program certifies landscaping professionals as a complement to its long-standing Certified Wildlife Habitat program and its companion programs, Schoolyard Habitats and Community Wildlife Habitat.

According to NWF, these wildlife-friendly landscapes and gardens help keep water and air resources clean, are healthier for people and the environment, and are 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, naturalist with National Wildlife Federation. "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."

As a benefit for becoming certified, professionals receive certification, marketing resources, and promotion to the nation's largest wildlife gardening network and more than 4 million members. Certified professionals are profiled on NWF's growing searchable database of Certified Wildlife Landscaping Professionals as a way to assist individuals, businesses, and organizations to find a landscape professional whom can help them become more wildlife-friendly in their own landscapes.

For more information about the National Wildlife Federation, please visit nwf.org.

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