Community

Wildlife Sanctuary Program

Audubon Society of Northern Virginia has recently changed its name to the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, and its Audubon at Home program has become the Wildlife Sanctuary program. (Read about the name change.)

The Wildlife Sanctuary program was created to make a difference by supporting the efforts of property owners and managers to become better stewards of nature in their own outdoor spaces.

The program brings trained volunteers together with property owners and managers on a mission to restore natural habitat. We offer information, on-site consultation and recommendations to help you establish and nurture sustainable natural habitat in your backyard, neighborhood, school, church, park or business in spaces that range from a balcony to many acres. Results-based sanctuary certification depends on the success of the habitat to attract and support wildlife. The program seeks to expand wildlife habitat in our area and fosters appreciation for the value of native plants and all the wildlife that depend on them. Read about about how to participate in the program.

If you live in an HOA or Condo Association, the Greening Your Neighborhood program can help you make your community more ecologically sustainable.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy partners with the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance to deliver the Wildlife Sanctuary program in Loudoun County. Other partners in our area are Loudoun County Extension Master Gardeners and Banshee Reeks Master Naturalists. Other partners in Northern Virginia are Arlington Regional Master Naturalists, Fairfax Master Naturalists, Prince William Master Gardener, Fauquier/Rappahannock Master Gardeners and The Clifton Institute. We also work closely with Plant NOVA Natives.

Learn more about native plants and where to buy them on the Native Plant Resources page.

Why Is Creating Habitat on Your Property So Important?

“For the first time in history, gardening has taken on a role that transcends the needs of the gardener. Like it or not, gardeners have become important players in the management of our nation’s wildlife. It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to make a difference. In this case, the ‘difference’ will be to the future of biodiversity, to the native plants and animals of North America and the ecosystems that sustain them.”   ~ Douglas W. Tallamy