The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) announces the property of Mary Burts, located in Forest Acres, has been certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site. Burt's property attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife while helping to protect the local environment.

With the help of the SCWF, many habitat enthusiasts in South Carolina have turned their yards and other garden spaces into enticing wildlife refuges by providing food, water, cover, and places to raise young for wildlife.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) began the Backyard Wildlife Habitat certification program in 1973, and has since certified over 65,000 habitats nationwide. South Carolina currently has more certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats per capita than any other state, with over 3,400 certified. The majority of these sites represent the hard work and commitment of individuals and families providing habitat around their homes, but NWF has also certified more than 2,400 schools, hundreds of businesses, and community sites.

Certified habitats can be found everywhere, from post offices, hospitals, and places of worship to community parks, corporate buildings, and municipal facilities. The average habitat is between one- third and one- half acre, but certified sites range from urban balconies to thousand- acre areas.

Any habitat enthusiast can create a certified habitat and learn the rewards of gardening for wildlife. Locally, the SCWF teaches the importance of environmental stewardship by providing guidelines for making landscapes more hospitable for wildlife. Habitat restoration is critical in urban and suburban settings where commercial and residential development encroaches on natural wildlife areas. In addition to providing for wildlife, certified habitats conserve natural resources by reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation water, which ultimately protects the air, soil, and water throughout communities.

Those who achieve certification receive membership in the National Wildlife Federation and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. They also receive a personalized certificate, quarterly newsletters, the SCWF membership newspaper, Out of D oors, and are eligible to post NWF's special outdoor sign designating their yard or garden as wildlife- friendly.

Habitats not only produce financial rewards for homeowners but for industries as well. The SCWF has developed a habitat program specifically for industries. The Wildlife And Industry Together (W.A.I.T.™) program encourages industries to protect, enhance and create wildlife habitat on their sites. One of the first steps that most industries implement is the creation of meadows by discontinuing mowing on their properties. Tens of thousands of dollars can be saved annually by just this one practice. Currently, there are 33 W.A.I.T. sites in South Carolina.

To learn more about the many habitat programs of the National Wildlife Federation and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. (803) 256-0670 www.scwf.org.