Creating a backyard wildlife habitat provides homeowners with economic, ecological, social, and recreational benefits. It can increase property values by up to 20% and save thousands of dollars annually in energy costs and stormwater treatment. Nearly 90% of homebuyers value environmentally friendly landscaping and open spaces. Properties located near wildlife refuges have been shown to have 3-9% higher property values. Backyard habitats also have ecological benefits like filtering pollutants and producing oxygen. They bring people and nature together for recreation like birdwatching and walking, as well as educational and workplace benefits.

1. Benefits for Homeowners of Backyard Wildlife Habitats
Economical
According to several sources, trees increase property values by up to 20%; save $6.8 million in energy
and $9.1 million in storm-water treatment costs annually.
The #1 green home improvement recommended by REALTORS® is planting native trees and flowers –
the foundation of a healthy and beautiful backyard habitat
Decreasing the amount of lawn saves time and money. Americans spend about $30 billion and 65 hours
per year maintaining lawns.
Eighty-eight percent of homebuyers value energy conserving landscape and environmentally friendly
community features
Property values near wildlife habitats and refuges are higher and properties are more desirable
According to the study, conducted for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by economic
researchers at North Carolina State University, homes located within half a mile of a
refuge and within eight miles of an urban center were found to have higher home values
of roughly 7 to 9 percent in the Southeast, 4 to 5 percent in the Northeast and 3 to 6
percent in the California/Nevada region.
The researchers suggested that refuges boost property values in the selected regions
because they protect against future development while preserving scenic vistas and
other “natural amenity benefits associated with open spaces.” The report is the first
national study to analyze national wildlife refuges’ impact on land values.
Buyers are willing to pay more
Ecological
 Land suitable for native plants and animals are healthy for people
 Vegetation filters pollutants, shades, and stabilizes stream banks
 Wetlands help control run-off, prevent erosion, and filter pollutants
 Forests produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
Social and Educational Benefits
 Bring people and nature together
 Workplace habitats give employees a calm place to take a break
 Provides more area for picnicking, walking, and learning

2.  Foster relationships between land owners and community
Recreational
 Aesthetically pleasing
 Places feel more private and relaxing
 Bird watching
 Walking
 Gardening