Native Garden Certification
You don’t need hundreds of acres to make a difference. The Six Rivers ‘Nature Near You’ Native Plant Garden Certification recognizes native plant enthusiasts who create beautiful, eco-friendly gardens that support local wildlife and protect our natural resources. Even if you don’t have acres of land, your garden can still play an important role in sustaining Michigan’s native ecosystems- helping protect the natural beauty of our region for generations to come.
Certification Guidelines
To become certified through the Six Rivers Nature Near You Native Plant Garden Certification, your garden should support local wildlife, protect natural resources, and follow sustainable practices. Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
Garden Requirements
- Location: Reside in our service area (Genesee, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, or St. Clair, and Wayne counties)
- Minimum Size: 100 square feet, combined
- Native Plants: At least 75% Michigan native plants (preferably straight species local genotype native)
- Seasonal Bloom: Include nectar sources that bloom from spring through fall
- Bird Food: Provide native plants that offer nuts, fruits, or seeds
- Plant Diversity: Include 5–10 different native plant species
- Wildlife Benefit: List 3 animal or insect species that will specifically benefit from your garden
Sustainable Management Practice
Choose at least 3 of the following:
- Reduce pesticide use with Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Chop and drop plant material to feed soil naturally
- Use a broom or electric blower instead of gas-powered tools or hose
- Install drip irrigation or a soaker hose instead of sprinklers
- Use a rain barrel to capture and reuse water
- Install a rain garden to manage stormwater runoff
- Limit impervious surfaces (like concrete or pavement)
- Mow high and leave grass clippings on the lawn
- Compost garden and kitchen waste
- Test your soil before applying fertilizer
- Manage or remove invasive species
- Install motion-sensing lights to reduce light pollution
- Add a bat house to support natural pest control
- Volunteer at a Six Rivers Stewardship Day
Encouraged (But Not Required)
- Plant native trees or shrubs
- Add butterfly host plants (which also feed birds)
- MI_Butterfly Host Plants
- Provide a water source such as a bird bath, saucer with pebbles, stream, or pond
Ready to certify your native garden?
You can certify your garden by meeting the guidelines, submitting photos to Hollie Coleman at hcoleman@sixriversrlc.org and sending in a $40 fee to receive a beautiful locally designed native garden sign to display in your yard!
