Backyard Habitats


JTPhoto_thumb_thumb.png

Photo courtesy of Bowie resident,
John Teasdale

Loss of Wildlife Habitat


The National Wildlife Federation cites habitat loss as the primary threat to survival of wildlife in the United States. This is mostly caused by human activities that hinder the ability of wildlife to find food, water, cover, and/or places to raise their young. According to NWF, the three major kinds of habitat loss are:

  • habitat destruction (e.g., clearing forests, filling wetlands);
  • habitat degradation (e.g., invasive species, pollution); and 
  • habitat fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation is especially problematic in urban and suburban areas like Bowie. Roads and development chop up the large contiguous forests, fields and migratory paths that used to be available to wildlife.

Certified Wildlife Habitats (TM)

To give birds, butterflies and other wildlife in Bowie a reprieve from the stress of habitat fragmentation and degradation, the City has joined the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat program where residents and communities can collaborate to help provide the requirements of all wildlife: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. To participate, the City must meet education and community project requirements and have homes, community sites (office buildings, parks, places of worship, homeowner associations, etc.), and schools certified by NWF. Property owners who provide the four basic elements of habitat can apply for certification at the National Wildlife Federation website.  

NWF reviews applications and mails certificates indicating the property is a Certified Wildlife Habitat. NWF provides a one-year membership in return for an application fee. Every certification in Bowie supports our community goal!

Community Certification Progress:

In 2016, Bowie became the 95th community and fifth in Maryland to achieve NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat status. However, there are yearly requirements to maintain the community certification including needing additional backyard certifications. 

Interested in turning your yard into a backyard habitat?  Click here to view a brochure that details how to get started. When you're at Allen Pond, the gym, or the Senior Center, keep a look out for our signs (below). These signs were installed after the City was certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat.

Community Habitat Sign at Allen Pond Park