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More than 160 people still missing after deadly Texas floods, governor says; Ohio small businesses seek clarity as Congress weighs federal ownership reporting rule; Hoosiers' medical bills under state review; Survey: Gen Z teens don't know their options after high school; Rural Iowa farmers diversify crops for future success.

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USDA, DHS Secretaries collaborate on a National Farm Security Action Plan. Health advocates worry about the budget megabill's impacts, and Prime Minister Netanyahu nominates President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

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Farmers may abandon successful conservation programs if federal financial chaos continues, a rural electric cooperative in Southwest Colorado is going independent to shrink customer costs, and LGBTQ+ teens say an online shoulder helps more than community support.

NWF: Gardening Can Help Wildlife in Florida

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Friday, May 25, 2012   

MELBOURNE, Fla. – It's likely many Floridians will choose to play in the dirt a little bit over the Memorial Day weekend - and there's a way to use your green thumb to breathe more 'life' into native wildlife, no matter how small your yard or garden.

May is "Garden for Wildlife Month," and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is reminding people of steps they can take to invite birds, butterflies and other native animals to enjoy the space. In Melbourne, Betsy Franz has had an NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat yard for more than 30 years.

"People don't think that they play a huge role in protecting that wildlife - it's so easy to blame the builders or the politicians."

Planting certain plants and flowers, providing fresh water, and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals can provide a welcoming habitat for wildlife. The NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat program includes specifics on how to make yards more wildlife-friendly. So far, 150,000 people have participated in the program.

Franz says she's noticed a huge difference in her yard over the years, and now sees animals she only dreamed of seeing in her garden years ago.

"Being able to get a hummingbird in my yard, and having foxes come into my yard, and bobcats – and it's just so amazing to feel like I had some control over that."

For NWF certification, gardeners must also provide safe places in their yards for animals to raise their young. The guidelines are online at nwf.org.



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