National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Program®

Mount Airy’s Path to Becoming a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat™

The Town of Mount Airy is working toward becoming a National Wildlife Federation Certified Community Wildlife Habitat™ — a recognition awarded to towns that make wildlife-friendly practices a part of everyday life.

This certification celebrates communities that create, restore, and maintain habitats where people and wildlife can thrive — at home, in schools, businesses, parks, and public spaces.

To achieve certification, Mount Airy residents, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to certify their own properties through the National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Program®. Each certified space contributes points toward our town’s overall goal.

How You Can Help

Becoming part of the effort is easy! Certify your yard, garden, or outdoor space by including elements that:

• Provide food: native plants, feeders, or fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.

• Provide water: birdbaths, ponds, or rain gardens.

• Provide cover: trees, shrubs, brush piles, or rock walls.

• Provide places to raise young: host plants, nesting boxes, or dense vegetation.

• Use sustainable practices: reduce chemicals, conserve water, and plant native species.

You can learn more and certify your property here: National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat Program

Why It Matters

Creating wildlife-friendly spaces helps support pollinators, birds, and other native species — all while making Mount Airy greener, healthier, and more resilient. Every certified garden or yard moves us closer to our goal and showcases the town’s commitment to sustainability.

Get Involved

The Mount Airy Sustainability Commission is coordinating the certification process and will host community events, workshops, and tours highlighting local examples — including the Mount Airy Community Garden, Rails-to-Trails East, and other public spaces.

If you’d like to participate, learn more, or register your habitat, please contact:

Drew Heartley - dheartley@mountairymd.gov

Together, we can make Mount Airy a haven for wildlife — and a model for community sustainability!