National Wildlife Federation Certifies New Wildlife Habitat Garden in East Providence

Local resident makes a difference to protect wildlife

East Providence, Rhode Island– June 10, 2024 – The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased that William J. Conley, Jr. (Billy Conley), in East Providence 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.


While it is important to protect and preserve the majestic and grand places on our planet, I want my grandchildren to see that divinity is in the details. Each one of us can make personal choices and do small things that make a big difference. The butterfly effect is real. We are cultivating plants that are native to Rhode Island which attract butterflies and a wonderful array of colorful birds. We have also created water sources and places of shelter that attract a wide variety of wildlife to our yard. It is humming and buzzing with fascinating activity, said Billy.


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