MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham Township has joined the National Wildlife Federation and the NJ Audubon Community Wildlife Habitat program, which is run by the Environmental Commission, to become more wildlife-friendly.
Communities participating in this program strive to become healthier, greener and more wildlife-friendly by creating wildlife habitats throughout the community and educating and engaging residents through events, workshops educational and practical service projects.
The Mendham Township Committee encourages residents to learn more about the program and consider certifying their courses to help Mendham Township become a more wildlife-friendly community.
Each certified site in the community provides the four basic elements that all wildlife needs: food, water, shelter and places to raise their young, while incorporating sustainable gardening practices such as using of native plants and the avoidance of pesticides.
“If each of us added a new garden bed filled with native plants every year, the impact on wildlife and essential pollinators would be enormous. We already have 14 homes certified, yours will be next,” officials said.
As part of the initiative, the Mendham Township Environmental Commission has created a new community pollinator garden in Wysong Park, located near the Ralston Playground.
The new Native Plant Garden, a haven of plants meant to attract insects like butterflies and bees, will be unveiled June 25 at 10 a.m. after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I hope residents will recognize the importance of their yard to the health of our town and its wildlife. Providing habitat and using sustainable gardening practices supports our local pollinators and other wildlife,” said Mayor Nick Monaghan.
For more information about the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat Network, visit www.nwf.org/community. For more information about the National Wildlife Federation, visit www.nwf.org/news.
