Have a water source - ground container and/or a birdbath

 Select multiple food sources - plants, bird feeders, etc.

 Optional squirrel feeder, hummingbird feeder, butterfly feeder

 Provide shelter - rock pile, brush pile, nesting/roosting box

 Use birdhouses designed for different species

 Plant trees, shrubs, vines, annuals, and perennials

 Avoid pesticides at all times near the area

 Create toad houses from old or broken pots

 Install places where wildlife can raise their young

 Do not use table scraps any other form of “human food”

 Certify your backyard when all criteria are met

 Check out field guides and wildlife books from local libraries

 Landscape with tree limbs and leave dead trees to provide shelter

 Use rainwater, and air-conditioning drips to refill birdbaths

 Clean bird feeder regularly to prevent disease

 Shrinking your lawn creates more space for native plants

 Turn off outdoor lights at night to avoid disrupting nocturnal wildlife

 Create rock gardens from rocks found on your property

 If you have the space, a small pond can provide habitat for frogs

 Fill a shallow dish or saucer with wet sand and stones to attract butterflies

 Keep cats indoors to protect both your cat and the local wildlife

 Add some seashells for decorations that also function as shelter

 Keep birdbath water moving if possible, especially in a freeze