The Wildlife Sanctuary program is open to residential properties, homeowner associations, schools, places of worship, parks and commercial properties and other potentially sustainable wildlife habitats, both public and private. There is no charge for participation.
Criteria for Wildlife Sanctuary Certification
1. Attract 10 of our Sanctuary Species. Our motto is to “let the animals decide” the quality of the habitat. The key to certification is the observed use of the property by 10 out of 35 targeted sanctuary species that need assistance in our area due to loss of habitat.
2. Take the Healthy Yard Pledge to:
- Reduce pesticide and fertilizer use
- Conserve water and protect water quality
- Remove invasive non-native plants
- Plant species native to our area
- Reduce area covered by lawn grass
- Support birds and other wildlife.
3. Measure your success. Observe the changes in your habitat over time and share your results with our Wildlife Sanctuary program.
Basic Steps for Certification
1. Download and review the application for required habitat practices and features to include in your property.
2. Request a Wildlife Sanctuary program visit by emailing wildlifesanctuary@loudounwildlife.org. An ambassador will contact you to schedule a free in-person visit. They will assess your habitat readiness and offer recommendations about environmental practices, native plants and animals, water retention, and other habitat features. The ambassador will send you a site report. Ambassadors remain available for on-going consultation.
3. Take steps to improve your wildlife habitat and attract at least 10 Sanctuary Species. You may be starting from scratch with your property or you may already meet the criteria so this step will be different for everyone.
4. Have you met the criteria? Download your application and complete it by noting your Sanctuary Species, sign it (electronic signature is fine), and submit it for certification. You can either mail the application to Loudoun Wildlife Coordinator, P.O. Box 1892, Leesburg, VA 20177 or email it to wildlifesanctuary@loudounwildlife.org. We will celebrate your success by adding your name to the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Northern Virginia Bird Alliance websites.
5. (Optional) After certification you may purchase a Wildlife Sanctuary sign to display on your property. The cost is $35, including tax. Displaying a sign celebrates your efforts and lets others know about the program thereby increasing the impact of your habitat.
You can see where Wildlife Sanctuary certified sites in northern Virginia are on the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance website.
We encourage you to use the resources on our website throughout the process and share your experiences with us and your community. Contact us through your ambassador or email wildlifesanctuary@loudounwildlife.org.