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There are so many aspects to helping the environment that it is easy to tailor your involvement to your interests and lifestyle. We are fortunate to be in a time where environmental concern is high and information is plentiful. While I had regularly recycled and tried to conserve energy and water, my efforts to assist wildlife began with the television show "Backyard Habitat" on Animal Planet. The show follows the same format as a home makeover show where each episode features a family who would like to have a portion of their yard transformed into a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat. To be eligible for certification you need to provide food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young for any of the birds, butterflies, mammals, or reptiles that might be native to your area. The show opened my eyes to the ease of attracting wildlife, and the environmental value of native landscaping.

Building on that interest I came across an advertisement in our local newspaper for a Florida-Friendly landscaping course offered through our County Extension office. For $10 the eight week course focused on:

* Planting the right plant in the right place
* Watering efficiently
* Fertilizing appropriately
* Mulching
* Attracting wildlife
* Managing yard pests
* Recycling yard waste
* Reducing storm water runoff, and
* Protecting waterfronts

By implementing some of the knowledge gained by watching "Backyard Habitat" and attending the landscaping course, I now have a NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat, I have begun composting, and I have conducted a "catch-can" test on my sprinkler system and adjusted my irrigation timer to ensure efficient watering. And I've only just begun! This spring I will be adding both butterfly and vegetable gardens which will be chemical free; rain barrels will be added before our summer rain season begins; and I am pursuing additional certifications for Florida Backyard Landscapes for Wildlife by Florida Wildlife Extension, a Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch, and recognition for a Florida Friendly Yard through our County Extension Office.

While trying to identify the many species of birds and butterflies visiting our yard, I've come across some additional ways to help the environment. The Great Backyard Bird Count is held during President's Day weekend each year, and with just a 15 minute commitment you can help scientists track bird populations. Help track butterfly populations by joining your local chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) for their annual butterfly count.

Start pursuing your interests in helping the environment. Your journey may begin with a television show or newspaper ad, but what's most important is that it begins!

Learn more about this author, Wendy Williams.
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