Now that I have my Certified Wildlife Habitat designation and certificate, there are only a dozen more residents of Atlantic Highlands who need to apply to be wildlife habitat certified before the entire borough can be declared a Wildlife Habitat Community.
While my certificate for “Muriel’s Garden on the Deck” shows that even a small space that offers food, water, protection , cover and a place to raise young can be certified, still a dozen more residents are needed to officially make Atlantic highlands as a whole a Wildlife Habitat Community.
That’s why Marilyn Scherfern, who is always looking out for betterment for the town she loves, is asking for nature loving residents to send their $20 and registration to the National Wildlife Federation before Earth Day on April 22 for an extra reason to celebrate the concern this borough shows for protecting the environment.
The former librarian and always active environmentalist and active citizen explained that with 100 habitat points, or members, the borough becomes a certified Wildlife Habitat Community , an honor shared by other active environmentally concerned communities throughout the nation.
At a meeting of the Borough Council, Scherfern, appearing via ZOOM, urged residents to join the many others in the borough who have enjoyed and appreciate birds and other wildlife and work towards keeping them alive, well and continuing to be a source of beauty and recreational activity for residents.
It’s easy for homeowners in this area to provide a habitat site for birds and other wildlife. It can be done in a yard, on a balcony, in a container garden, workplace landscape, or any public or private outdoor space.
All it takes is providing the four things birds need: Food, water, a places to raise young and some sustainable practices. It doesn’t even have to be a birdbath or birdhouse, a simple daily cleaned and re-filed pan of water, bushes in the yard that provide safety and birdseed or natural plants or flowers that birds thrive on in the vicinity qualifies.
The $20 application fee supports the National Wildlife Federation’s programs that help the environment in numerous ways, from being a loud and forceful voice in addressing issues of declining habitat for wildlife to supporting programs that inspire others to make a difference.
“Every little garden is a big step towards replenishing resources for all kinds of wildlife,” Scherfern explained, “from bees and butterflies to birds, and even amphibians.” Pollinator-friendly plants and monarch butterfly friendly plants are great to add to any garden.
The $20 application offers more benefits than the official certificate you receive for the specific area that is the Habitat which can be named whatever you decide. The application also includes membership in the Garden for Wildlife community, a one year membership in the National Wildlife Federation, a subscription to National Wildlife magazine, ten percent off Federation catalog merchandise, including feeders, nesting boxes and numerous other items, a subscription to the monthly Garden for Wildlife e-mail newsletter with gardening tips, wildlife stories and other resources, and an option to purchase a garden sign to place in your garden identifying it as a Habitat.
Earth Month begins April 1,” Scherfern said, “ and Earth Day, is April 22. We are so close. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could celebrate this April with the new and cherished designation as a National Wildlife Community and show our town-wide support for Earth Month?” the nature enthusiast asked.
Further information and the application for the certificate are available at https://www.nwf.org/certify
