Across Western New York, more homeowners are transforming their yards into vibrant spaces that support birds, pollinators, and biodiversity. Through the Wild Ones Certified Native Habitat Program, these efforts are recognized and celebrated, helping to spread awareness of the vital role native plants play in healthy ecosystems.
This year, a few Wild Ones WNY members achieved certification. We are featuring two stories below, highlighting the personal connections, inspirations, and community impact behind creating a Certified Native Habitat.
Devon S. – From Bird Feeders to Native Gardens
For Devon, her love of birds was the gateway to native plants.
“Over 16 years ago, my then-husband gave me a birthday present of rigging up bird feeders on a pulley so that we could see them from our second-floor apartment,” she recalls. “We had suet, niger, and sunflower seeds and saw goldfinches, chickadees, blue jays, cardinals, downy woodpeckers and more. I was hooked.”
Three years ago, Devon moved into a new home — one where she could see her gardens from indoors. With that move came a new commitment: to plant entirely with native species in support of the birds she had long admired.
“To me, the certification helps raise awareness of native plants and the different aesthetic of native plant gardens,” Devon explains. “If just a few more neighbors grow native plants (with fewer invasives and chemicals), the suburbs will be teeming full of life — butterflies, native bees, hummingbird moths, and yes, birds.”
As a board member of Wild Ones WNY, Devon also saw certification as a way to lead by example and encourage others in the community to take the step.
Danielle L. – Bringing Natives to the Suburbs
When Danielle bought her first home in Amherst in 2020, she was eager to turn her small front yard into a garden. She worked with a traditional landscape designer for a base layout, but quickly found herself drawn down a different path.
“As I was exploring what to plant, I started to read about the importance of native plants,” Danielle explains. That discovery reshaped her gardening journey. She planted her first natives in 2022 and, after joining the Wild Ones WNY board in 2025, dove in even deeper.
In a neighborhood defined by manicured lawns, Danielle knew her front yard would stand out. “If you look up the picture of green-grassed suburbia, that’s my neighborhood,” she says. “I wanted to make sure my yard told my neighbors, ‘this is deliberate!’ and ‘join me!’”
Her yard has since come alive with wildlife — from new bees and butterflies to a family of rabbits that her young daughter adores. “I’m kind of a test case for what does and doesn’t get eaten,” she jokes.
For Danielle, certification is about more than just recognition. “I hope the sign signifies that it’s not hard to get certified and to make a promise to ‘do better’ with the land you own,” she says.
Why Certification Matters
The Certified Native Habitat program isn’t just about earning a sign for your yard. It’s about contributing to a national network of landscapes that:
- Provide food, water, and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife
- Avoid invasive species and harmful chemicals
- Demonstrate the beauty and resilience of native plants
- Inspire neighbors to make their own changes
Together, these efforts create a patchwork of thriving ecosystems across neighborhoods and regions.
Get Your Garden Certified
Do you already garden with natives? You may be eligible to join this growing network. Visit the Wild Ones Certified Native Habitat Program to learn more and start your application today.