Do you want to attract more birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and other native species to your backyards? It’s easy, fun for the family and an important way to help restore native habitats.

Friends of Rickman Store, in the historic Cowee Valley area of Macon County, has joined an effort through National Wildlife Federation to certify backyards as “wildlife habitats” by meeting some simple, but important goals. The components for certification are to provide adequate water, food, cover, places to raise young and sustainable gardening practices.

The group is hosting several outings and workshops as part of a summer Gardening for Wildlife Series.

On May 22 visit Mary and Stan Polanski’s certified backyard in Oak Grove. This small treasured patch hosts an old-fashioned kitchen garden surrounded by native plants and wildlife-friendly features that portray a quiet respect for nature.

Meet at Cowee Elementary School at 3 p.m. 828.349.5201 or 828.369.5595.

For future programs in the series, call 828.349.5201 or watch the Outdoors calendar in The Smoky Mountain News