Habitat Programs

Forest or field, public or private, high country or cypress-ringed swamp—land is where conservation starts. Every acre matters, which is why the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s work on behalf of land stewardship encompasses projects as diverse as landscape-scale planning for large public holdings and backyard habitat improvements for homeowners.

The following signature enhancement programs provide for North Carolina landowners technical guidance, financial planning assistance, and a certification and recognition opportunity for habitat enhancement efforts.

Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) is a workplace stewardship effort to manage portions of commercial property for wildlife while developing environmental education opportunities for employees and the local community.
WAIT Application for Certification (DOC)
WAIT Certified & Participating Sites
Boys' Life Magazine Article (PDF)

Certified Wildlife Habitat is NCWF’s and NWF’s comprehensive project for homeowners that provides detailed guidance for lessening the impacts of urban sprawl on wildlife by restoring elements of habitat in yards, schoolyards and gardens. Click here for certification.
Attracting Wildlife Handout (PDF)
Four Quick Steps to Initial Success (DOC)




Island Habitat Program is a network of support for an “adopt-an-island” project in which local groups monitor islands for refuse and provide nest boxes and erosion control plantings to benefit wildlife and improve conservation awareness.  

Fellowship Actions Impacting the Habitat (FAITH) sites are recognized places of worship that have enhanced the habitat and displayed good stewardship of native flora and fauna for all to enjoy. FAITH Application (DOC)
FAITH Checklist (DOC)

By working together at the early, pre-grading stages of the planning process, developers and planners can minimize the effects of development on wildlife and with technical guidance, could avoid inappropriate land disturbance and management while at the same time protecting wildlife or restoring degraded habitats.

Common native plant species include:
Trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers.