Step-by-Step

It’s Time to Begin

Download the step-by-step guide to our certification program to
help you get started.

First, The Basics

The resources below give you some basic information to get started creating a natural habitat in your own backyard. This is as simple as providing food, water, shelter and nesting areas for birds, bees and other creatures. Start slowly, keep it simple and make steady progress and over time you will have a beautiful habitat teeming with life.

Planting,Mature,Trees,In,The,Ground,Of,A,City,Park.

Plant a Tree

One of the easiest ways to get started is by planting a native, keystone tree. Learn the best practices for tree-planting with this link.

Learn to Identify Invasive Species

We’ll show you the most common invasive species in northeast Ohio.

Improve Wildlife Habitat

Adding and embracing features, such as water, rockeries or brushpiles create habitat for wildlife.

Leave the Leaves

Leaves and stems provide winter shelter for native bees, fireflies, moths, beetles and butterflies.