On Campus

Close to 200 colleges and universities in the United States have been certified under the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat® program. Any institution that meets the criteria for providing food, water, cover, and places to raise young, along with sustainable landscape practices, can apply. In addition, they can educate others and recognize their efforts with a sign to be posted prominently on campus.

A Certified Wildlife Habitat designation is a worthy goal for any school, and it is often the first step in a long-term commitment to overall campus ecology commitment to maintain and expand productive green places on campus for wildlife.

The National Wildlife Federation’s EcoLeaders program works with students, staff, and faculty at nearly all of the 4,100 colleges and universities across the United States.

The National Wildlife Federation’s EcoLeaders team fosters appreciation and protection of wildlife in ways that advance student leadership, restore habitat, and conserve natural resources on and beyond the campus, and prepare the next generation of wildlife and conservation professionals.

Working with the nation’s leading land grant and natural resource schools, minority-serving institutions, and professional societies, the National Wildlife Federation’s EcoLeaders program is a pioneer in helping college and university leaders define the state of the art in what it means to be sustainable and wildlife friendly.

Resource: The Campus Wild

The Campus Wild: How College and University Green Landscapes Provide Havens for Wildlife and "Lands-on" Experiences for Students

This richly detailed guide highlights how colleges and universities are playing a dynamic role protecting wildlife and restoring habitats in campus green spaces—including on-campus landscapes and natural areas, as well as distant campus-owned lands.