Local residents making a difference to protect wildlife
East Point – May 1, 2015: The National Wildlife Federation® (NWF) is pleased to recognize that Michael Nolan of East Point, Georgia has successfully created an official Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site. NWF celebrates the efforts to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife – natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young.
“Providing a home for wildlife in our communities – whether it’s at home, or in schools businesses or parks – is the demonstration of a healthy and active eco-system. There is no more rewarding way to stay connected to nature right outside your door,” said David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation.
“It just made sense.” said Nolan, an Atlanta-based gardening author and educator. “My partner and I wanted to build an organic, natural, edible garden space without the use of pesticides, so why not use the opportunity to also create a favorable environment that supports local wildlife?”
NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program has been helping people take personal action on behalf of wildlife for more than 40 years. The program engages homeowners, businesses, schools, churches, parks and other institutions that want to make their communities wildlife friendly.
This new certified habitat joins NWF’s roll of more than 150,000 certified habitats nationwide. Wildlife habitats are important to year-round wildlife residents as well as species that migrate, such as some birds and butterflies. Each habitat is unique for both beauty and function.
Michael’s garden design is an ever-expanding garden space with perennial fruits, herbs, and vegetables for humans, as well as flower, pollen and berry-producing plants & shrubs for wildlife to enjoy. In addition to food, there is a home for mason bees, an important pollinator, as well as consistent, safe water sources for butterflies, bees, and birds. The ultimate goal is an organic, sustainable food forest in the heart of this suburban Georgia neighborhood.
For more information on gardening for wildlife and details on how an entire community can become certified, visit www.nwf.org/habitat or call 1-800-822-9919. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.
Contact:
- Michael Nolan
- NWF Media Contact: Aislinn Maestas, Maestas@nwf.org
202-797-6624
