Post by admin on Jun 11, 2008 6:09:09 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0611/front_page/045.html
Home habitat provides a sanctuary for birds
BY NICOLE M. ANLLO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD - A borough woman's yard has received national recognition for its unique environmental contributions.
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has officially designated Christine Gregory's property as a certified wildlife habitat.
According to the NWF, any habitat enthusiast can work to transform his property into a certified wildlife habitat. Since the designation program began in 1973, more than 101,000 areas in the United States have been certified.
These locations include residential yards, schools, hospitals, parks, corporate buildings and even urban balconies. The purpose of the program is to bring natural growth back to communities in order to provide appropriate habitats for indigenous wildlife.
Gregory started her garden 20 years ago when she moved into her house in Freehold Borough. She said she grew up in western Pennsylvania and was raised with an appreciation for nature. She removed much of the original landscaping around her house, which consisted primarily of rocks and stones. She also let the natural vegetation grow untouched behind her shed.
In order to have a certified wildlife habitat, Gregory needed to show that her property provides food sources, water sources, places for cover, places to raise young, and sustainable gardening (for example, compost, mulch or rain barrels). The area was also left free of fertilizers. Gregory's garden work and birdbath additions have created a thriving bird habitat.
The NWF stresses the importance of restoring natural vegetation to urban and suburban areas alike. Certain gardening decisions can also help to eliminate the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation water, which help to protect soil and air as well as helping to conserve water.
Certified wildlife habitats are also said to provide benefits to an individual's home, according to the NWF.
For example, strategically planted trees and foliage can protect homes from extreme temperatures and wind, thereby reducing the need for heat or air conditioning. Plants also naturally absorb carbon dioxide to advance the purification of the atmosphere.
Gregory offered some advice for other people who want to start creating their own wildlife habitat. She said, "Follow whatever is in your heart. If you like flowers or vegetables, it all beautifies the house."
She said she finds it interesting to watch things grow and is very pleased that her yard has been officially recognized.
More information about gardening for wildlife habitat is available at the National Wildlife Federation's Web site www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife or by calling 1-800-822-9919.
Home habitat provides a sanctuary for birds
BY NICOLE M. ANLLO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD - A borough woman's yard has received national recognition for its unique environmental contributions.
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has officially designated Christine Gregory's property as a certified wildlife habitat.
According to the NWF, any habitat enthusiast can work to transform his property into a certified wildlife habitat. Since the designation program began in 1973, more than 101,000 areas in the United States have been certified.
These locations include residential yards, schools, hospitals, parks, corporate buildings and even urban balconies. The purpose of the program is to bring natural growth back to communities in order to provide appropriate habitats for indigenous wildlife.
Gregory started her garden 20 years ago when she moved into her house in Freehold Borough. She said she grew up in western Pennsylvania and was raised with an appreciation for nature. She removed much of the original landscaping around her house, which consisted primarily of rocks and stones. She also let the natural vegetation grow untouched behind her shed.
In order to have a certified wildlife habitat, Gregory needed to show that her property provides food sources, water sources, places for cover, places to raise young, and sustainable gardening (for example, compost, mulch or rain barrels). The area was also left free of fertilizers. Gregory's garden work and birdbath additions have created a thriving bird habitat.
The NWF stresses the importance of restoring natural vegetation to urban and suburban areas alike. Certain gardening decisions can also help to eliminate the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation water, which help to protect soil and air as well as helping to conserve water.
Certified wildlife habitats are also said to provide benefits to an individual's home, according to the NWF.
For example, strategically planted trees and foliage can protect homes from extreme temperatures and wind, thereby reducing the need for heat or air conditioning. Plants also naturally absorb carbon dioxide to advance the purification of the atmosphere.
Gregory offered some advice for other people who want to start creating their own wildlife habitat. She said, "Follow whatever is in your heart. If you like flowers or vegetables, it all beautifies the house."
She said she finds it interesting to watch things grow and is very pleased that her yard has been officially recognized.
More information about gardening for wildlife habitat is available at the National Wildlife Federation's Web site www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife or by calling 1-800-822-9919.
