The largest volume of acreage available for conservation and restoration of healthy green space in Northern Virginia is where we live, work and play. Your own property is a great place to start creating habitat for wildlife by planting native plants, removing invasives, and taking other steps to support wildlife. 

Our Wildlife Sanctuary Program is a conservation project of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to promote citizen participation in conserving and restoring local natural habitat and biodiversity.  

Click to hear how we can support you to create your own Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can make a difference and take pride in certifying your property as a Wildlife Sanctuary. A volunteer Wildlife Sanctuary Program Ambassador will visit your property to advise on habitat improvements you can make, and later, to certify your yard as a Wildlife Sanctuary.  When the animals show up–and they will in response to your efforts– you can apply for certification as a Wildlife Sanctuary.  Our motto is, “Let the animals decide.”

Our program covers Arlington/City of Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties. For support in other areas in Virginia go to https://vnps.org/virginia-native-plant-guides/

In another state? Start with your state’s native plant society or check out Homegrown National Park for resources.

Where to Begin

1. Start the process by taking the Healthy Yard Pledge to:

  • Reduce pesticide and fertilizer use – No broad-spectrum spraying for mosquitoes

  • Remove invasive non-native plants

  • Conserve water and protect water quality

  • Plant species native to our area

  • Reduce lawn coverage area

  • Leave the leaves in non-lawn areas

  • Reduce hazards to birds and other wildlife, such as

    • Keep cats indoors

    • Guard against human-made hazards like window collisions, light and noise pollution, poisonous and glue pest traps, and plastic netting

The application acts as your worksheet as you create your habitat. Check out our Creating Wildlife Habitat page to learn about the habitat features and practices that make a healthy habitat. 

Our Ambassadors are here to assist you with recommendations specific to your property with special focus on increasing biodiversity with native plants. The Wildlife Sanctuary Program is powered by the passion of volunteer Ambassadors.  Contact the Coordinator in your county to request a visit.  

2. Attract 10 Sanctuary Species

A safe space, water, and food from native plants will attract wildlife to your habitat. We “let the animals decide” about the quality of the habitat. The key to certification is the observed use of the property by 10 out of our targeted sanctuary species/species groups of wildlife listed as needing assistance in our area due to loss of habitat. Visit our Sanctuary Species page to see the list and start observing.

3. Complete and submit your application.

When you have met the requirements outlined in the application for habitat features and healthy yard practices, and recorded the observation of at least 10 Sanctuary Species you are ready to submit your application. Once approved you will receive your certificate and information on how to order your Certified Wildlife Sanctuary sign to display and spread the word to others. We are confident that as your habitat matures your appreciation for wildlife will continue to grow. 

Certified Wildlife Sanctuaries

As properties become certified as Wildlife Sanctuaries, we register the sanctuary and capture associated information including location, acreage, property type and jurisdiction to display the results with our GIS Mapping Application.  We are working to preserve the natural heritage of our dynamic region one property at a time.  As of April 1, 2024 we have certified 1,033 properties on 8,646 acres. Check out our progress in the interactive map below.

How to Get More Involved with the Wildlife Sanctuary Program

Ours is a volunteer-based program drawing from trained Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners.  Contact us to learn more about this rewarding program.

Already a Wildlife Sanctuary Ambassador? Log in here.

Partnerships Make it Happen

The work of the Audubon At Home program is delivered through critical partnerships with regional volunteer conservation organizations:

Together, we are the Wildlife Sanctuary Program. We also works closely with the Plant NoVA Natives and the Virginia Native Plant Society, Potowmack Chapter.

View our full lineup of classes, events, bird walks and more on our calendar.