01/12/2026
National Wildlife Federation Certifies New Wildlife Habitat in Squires, MO
Local Residents Making a Difference to Protect Wildlife
Squires, MO- January 2026 - The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America's largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased that the LaFortune family at Lil Red Ranch in Squires, Missouri has successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat® through its Garden for Wildlife™ movement.
NWF celebrates this effort to create a garden that supports birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other local wildlife. Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.
Started in 1973, the Garden for Wildlife movement is the nation’s oldest and largest native plant/habitat program, recognizing over 300,000 Certified Wildlife Habitat® gardens across the North America and at 39 embassies worldwide, encompassing an estimated 4 million acres that support wildlife locally. Backyards, urban gardens, school grounds, businesses, places of worship, campuses, parks, farms, zoos, and community landscapes can all be recognized as wildlife habitats through the program. “We are excited about this new Certified Wildlife Habitat®, as it provides native plants and essential habitat elements. Research shows certified properties have the potential to support twice as much wildlife compared to non-certified properties.” Said, Mary Phillips, Head of Garden for Wildlife™/Certified Wildlife Habitat®.
“Anyone, anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own yards and communities,” said NWF Naturalist David Mizejewski. “Whether you garden in a suburban yard, an urban area or a rural plot of land, you can make a difference for local wildlife. Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat garden is fun, easy and makes a real difference for neighborhood wildlife. It’s the perfect grassroots way to think globally and act locally and help birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife,” he added.
“As nature enthusiasts, it was essential to create a sustainable homestead where wildlife thrives right outside our doorstep. Establishing a self-sufficient ecosystem has been a goal of ours as regenerative farmers; it’s an honor to receive this certification from NWF,” said the LaFortunes.
At Lil Red Ranch there’s many, small forest and freshwater habitats. Native trees like oak and black walnut are home to birds, squirrels, frogs and insects all year round. The clover-covered pasture lays perfect ground for prairie birds, rabbits and deer. After planting heirloom-plants in the garden, bees and butterflies frequented the ranch even during peak summer days. The LaFortunes successfully abstain from using pesticides at their wildlife habitat by composting. A small freshwater pond and wet weather conveyances were recently added to provide natural water sources for their pasture-raised poultry, as well as native wildlife.
Many of NWF’s state affiliate organizations are partners in the Garden for Wildlife movement. Habitats in partnering states have national and state certification.
Participants who have their wildlife habitat garden certified receive a personalized certificate with a unique habitat number, a one-year membership to NWF with a subscription to National Wildlife magazine, a subscription to the Garden for Wildlife e-newsletter, the exclusive right to post a Certified Wildlife Habitat yard sign and $5.00 off native plants at www.gardenforwildlife.com.
For more information on NWF’s Garden for Wildlife™ movement and how to qualify to have a garden space recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, visit www.nwf.org/garden. To jump start creating your own Certified Wildlife Habitat® order native plant collections for your zip code designed to provide three season bloom at www.gardenforwildlfe.com.
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About National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization, uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
