Want to give some of your yard back to the birds? Bellingham parks, natural areas and greenways are important habitat for birds, deer and other wildlife. Home landscapes can be, too.
The Bellingham Backyard Habitat Program is designed to educate the community about the role of our own backyards in providing native plant and wildlife habitat. Native plant landscaping provides food and shelter for local songbirds and other wildlife, reduces the need for water and chemical pest control, and increases the biodiversity of our urban area.
The Backyard Habitat Information Packet contains materials about habitat design, local sources for native plants, and references for more ideas.
Backyard Habitat Mentors provide free consultations for homeowners who need help with native plant identification and selection, enhancement design ideas, and problem solving.
See how you can get started by viewing our Water Whys videotape episode:“ Creating a Backyard Sanctuary.” Copies to borrow are available at the Bellingham Library, and you can also find it on Bellingham TV Channel 10.
As more residents learn about and practice welcoming wildlife to their yards, Bellingham can become a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Community through the National Wildlife Federation. Individual residences, business grounds, schoolyards, and church properties can improve their habitat qualities, get certified as Backyard Wildlife Sanctuaries, and build the total value of Bellingham for urban wildlife.
To get the Information Packet or referral to a Backyard Habitat Mentor, please contact the Parks Volunteer Coordinator in the Park Operations Division.
