Backyard Wildlife Habitat
The National Wildlife Federation has an interesting program
to help our spaces become places in which nature can flourish. They have
certified over150,000 Wildlife Habitat sites across the country. A wildlife habitat can be in a backyard, on a
roof, in a park – wherever we can put together what is needed to make a
nature-friendly environment.
What does it take to make a site Habitat friendly? NWF says
four things:
Food – Water – Cover - Places for wildlife to raise their
young.
Every creature needs food. Native plants help the locals
thrive. Water is necessary for drinking, bathing, and often for reproduction.
Vegetation provides safety from predators and places to raise offspring.
My backyard has bird feeders, a birdbath, bushes
for butterflies, shade and sun, a variety of plants and trees. We did it for our
own pleasure; now I see it is more than that. It is not officially certified
but it does provide much of what is needed. And even though the rabbits drive
me crazy sometimes, I am glad we are providing an area where they can live
and be well. Don't we all deserve that?
If you are interested in learning about creating a Certified
Wildlife Habitat, you can get started here:
Schools can become part of the green movement, too, by
becoming an Eco-School. In my own state of New Jersey there are 36 Eco-Schools,
including my township high school.
http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/School-Solutions/Eco-Schools-USA/Become-an-Eco-School.aspx
Posts
I never knew about the Wildlife Habitat; that's really interesting. Your backyard would certainly qualify!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I may seek certification one day. But your yard is wonderful, too.
ReplyDelete