June 2006 - The Parklander Magazine

Making A DifferenceFor WildlifeThe Coral Springs community is putting out the welcome mat for birds,butterflies and other wildlife. By registering its Community Wildlife Habitatproject with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the city is sending a clearand powerful message that caring people, working together, can help wildlife,wild places, and the health of the environment. Coral Springs residents aremaking a difference in their own community and beyond.Since 1973, NWF has provided millions of people with basic guidelines formaking their landscapes more hospitable for wildlife. To date, through theBackyard Wildlife Habitat program, NWF has certified over 62,000 individuals,families and organizations for their efforts to provide the basic elements that allwildlife need to thrive: food, water, cover and places to raise their young.In addition to helping homeowners improve their backyards for wildlife, NWFworks with schools and businesses to involve students and employees inwildlife habitat restoration and enhancement on school and workplace grounds.Now, through the Community Wildlife Habitat project, entire communities arebecoming engaged and recognized for wildlife conservation and habitatstewardship. Coral Springs’ Community Wildlife Habitat project is one of onlya handful of projects in the nation that have been registered with NWF.A Community Wildlife Habitat project brings people together to create acommunity where people, flora and fauna can flourish. Coral Springs’ actionplan includes a long-term commitment to citizen education about the valueand maintenance of natural areas. The goal is to certify Backyard WildlifeHabitat sites at 300 homes, five schools and seven workplaces, churches orother community locations.For more information on getting involved in Coral Springs’ efforts to becomea certified Community Wildlife Habitat, please contact Mark Westfall at (954)344-1177 or mwestfall@coralsprings.org.To start your own garden wildlife adventure, visit the Backyard WildlifeHabitat website at www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat. You’ll find a wealth ofinformation on wildlife and wild places, and how to help protect these preciousnatural resources. You can obtain a free informational kit by calling (800) 822-9919or by writing to NWF, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190.• New Pool & Spa Construction• Swim-Thru Waterfall Caves• Tile & Stone Bars andBarbeques• Complete Pool Remodeling• Natural Stone Waterfalls,Ponds and Patios• Jungle Landscaping ExpertsParkland Resident38the PARKLANDER