Certified Backyard Habitat Program

In 2018, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP) launched the Certified Backyard Habitat (CBH) program to guide people in helping birds and pollinators across southwestern Pennsylvania. Each CBH acts as a mini-nature reserve, providing quality habitat for wildlife and reducing threats such as outdoor cats and window strikes. Now in its 6th year, the CBH program has over 1,000 participating households.

Collectively, these CBHs are creating a distributed network of mini-nature reserves. Together, we are transforming the region.

How it works: Your yard is your sanctuary. With some small changes, you can ensure that it is also a sanctuary for birds, pollinators, and wildlife. CBHs can be created in small yards, large yards, or even on a patio or balcony.

An ASWP staff member visits each yard to provide custom resources and advice while also verifying the status of the 5 CBH program categories, which include: :

1. Native Plants: Attract beneficial insects, wildlife, and birds to your habitat by gardening with native plants.
2. Address Threats: Reduce threats to wildlife by keeping cats indoors, avoiding neonicotinoids, and following best practices for herbicide use in the control of invasive species.
3. Wildlife Stewardship: Support wildlife by including a bird bath, bird or bat house, or bird feeder. Reduce threats by keeping your cats indoors and mitigating window strikes.
4. Clean Water: Promote healthy watersheds with simple actions, such as composting or properly disposing of household waste.
5. Education and Engagement: Gain knowledge and stay engaged by participating in a workshop or volunteering with the Backyard Habitat Program.

Backyard Habitats Across the Region

The map below represents all participants and their Certification level. Participation in the program means joining a group of supportive nature enthusiasts and gardeners across the 7 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania.

These habitat connections are not just local. They form pathways that connect regional and national wildlife corridors. In the face of a drastically changing climate, these connections are even more critical. Look below to see how Backyard Habitats fill a gap in the map of climate change connectivity priorities (shown in shades of red to yellow in the background of the map below).

Join us on a quick tour of some our outstanding Certified Backyard Habitats.

No matter how big or small your outdoor space is, you can make a difference! Together, we are transforming the region. To learn more, contact cbh@aswp.org or call (412) 963-6100.