Environmental Board encourages residents to create local habitats

The Cherry Hill Environmental Board has just registered the Barclay Farmstead Community Garden as a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat. There are now four public lands areas and more than 130 private properties designated as NWF Habitats within the township. The gardens, open space and water sources within these areas provide food, water and cover for pollinators, amphibians and other valuable native wildlife species. By continuing to certify properties within the township, Cherry Hill is on its way to becoming one of 135 towns in the country to hold the distinction of being certified as a NWF Wildlife Habitat Community. Providing for native wildlife helps purify our air and waterways and attain better crop yields in our farms and gardens.

However, to reach our goal of becoming a fully certified NWF Habitat Community, we need your help. If each of our volunteers registers their own property as a Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation or Audubon Society, we will easily meet the necessary requirements. But we can’t do it without you. Every private property certification brings us closer to our goal. Even a small patio or balcony can provide for wildlife with a few simple accommodations.

Certify your residence or business today at NWF.org/certify Here, you will find an easy checklist to help you satisfy the simple requirements necessary to achieve certification. The process is quick, and the activity can be an easy and satisfying learning opportunity. By providing food, shelter and water for native pollinators and other valuable wildlife, you are making a positive impact on your community.

Please consider helping us achieve our goal, and thank you for your participation in making Cherry Hill a great place to live, work and play.