Gardening for Wildlife

As more land is developed for human use, our gardens are needed now more than ever to provide wildlife with habitat - spaces to nest, rest and feed. Every wildlife-friendly garden is a haven that can act as a stepping stone between other gardens, parks and larger areas of natural habitat. In turn, these animals play a critical role in our own survival, from pollinators that help provide fruits and vegetables to cavity nesting birds which keep mice and insects under control.

When you welcome songbirds, butterflies, bees and other animals to the gardens surrounding your home, cottage, business, school or community garden, you are supporting them with much needed habitat. Anyone with outdoor space, be it a patio or acres of land, has an amazing opportunity to help our local and migratory wildlife and to enjoy the benefits and beauty they bring. The best part is it can be as simple as you like and suited to any lifestyle, budget or space.

CWF’s Gardening for Wildlife program helps Canadians discover, appreciate and support our local and migratory wildlife. It inspires them to get outside and transform home, school, business and community outdoor spaces into attractive wildlife-friendly habitat.

Click here to see the complete list of videos available
which includes both webinars and short instructional videos

Pollination is one of the most important processes on the planet. Thanks to pollination, we have delicious foods, healthy ecosystems, and even growth in the economy. Pollinators are the tiny but important creatures that make this all of this possible. Purchasing one of our five plant kits from our pollinator collection of Medallion Plants is one way to help conserve wildlife in Canada.

Learn about the basic elements wildlife need and get ideas how to incorporate them in your outdoor space.

Why choose native plants, where to buy them, identification tools and more!

How do I stop birds from hitting my windows? What are beneficial insects? What are some animals that live in or visit Canada's gardens? Find out these and more.

Download handouts, get how-to advice, consult zone maps and plant ID tools, listen to podcasts, order a poster, peruse our demonstration gardens and more!

Our e-newsletter Grow Wild features Canadian animals and plants as well as some edible plants and how to grow them in harmony with nature. It also provides tips, project ideas or family crafts suited to that season as well as sharing photos of wildlife-friendly gardens across the country. Sign up to join over 20,000 readers in this gardening community.

Gardens provide a wonderful environment for children to explore, learn and play. By gardening together as a family, you can plant the seed of a life-long love of nature, while reaping the many health benefits of being outside!… Read

Carole Wheatley, Sarah Coulber and Eneze Baye-Imerion work to ensure that Canadians have the resources and support they need to easily and enjoyably create wildlife-friendly habitat in their gardens.