In November 2008, a small group of Sammamish residents met to discuss the idea of helping Sammamish become one of the first certified Community Wildlife Habitats in the nation, with the certification process being a 2 to 5 year project with the National Wildlife Federation.A Community Wildlife Habitat is a community that provides habitat for wildlife throughout the community - in individual backyards, on school grounds and in public areas such as parks, places of worship and businesses - creating a place where residents, flora and fauna can all flourish.
It is a community where the residents make it a priority to provide habitat for wildlife by providing the four basic elements that all wildlife need: food, water, cover and places to raise young.It is a program that will include educating Sammamish residents about sustainable garden practices (such as reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides, conserving water, planting native plants, removing invasive plants and composting), and holding community events (such as stream or trail clean-ups, and native plant salvages) and educational seminars and workshops - all to make our community healthier for our local residents and wildlife.
With Sammamish's wildlife corridors, migratory pathways, numerous sensitive wetlands,
streams, lakes and significant second growth forest, we feel we have a responsibility to restore and protect our local natural environment for future generations, and want to give Sammamish residents of all ages an opportunity to join us in our efforts!Come back and visit this blog often for future local events and workshops, and to find online resources associated with creating and preserving wildlife habitat in our local community!
Photo credit: (c) Kate Poaster, "Baby Robins" & "Bald Eagle"
