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Community Wildlife Habitat sites are springing up all over the country! The following are certified Community Wildlife Habitat sites:
The following are registered Community Wildlife Habitat Sites:
Ajo, AZ
Ajo is a former mining community surrounded by federal land, most of which is designated wilderness. In close proximity to town are the Organ Pipe National Monument, the Barry M. Goldwater Bombing Ranger (USAF) and the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation. Primary vegetation includes the palo verde, ironwood and velvet mesquite trees and saguaro and organ pipe cacti. Even though there is no surface water (except during torrential summer rains), the variety of native wildlife is impressive. Sweetwater in the Foothills, AZ
Sweetwater in the Foothills is a master planned community whose organizing theme is to create a community that is harmonious with its natural upper Sonoran desert setting. It is laced with arroyos that provide drainage from the Tucson Mountains to the Santa Cruz River. The washes run infrequently, but provide critical habitat for resident birds, reptiles, rabbits, javelina, bobcats and coyotes. These riparian areas are all considered "common areas" in the community and have been retained in their natural state. Landscaping in the community is committed to low water usage and retaining the native desert plants. For more information, go to www.sweetwaterinthefoothillsCWH.org. Alpine, CA
In this small hamlet in the rural foothills near San Diego, the Community Wildlife Habitat program began. A non-profit organization called CHIRP (Center to Help Instill Respect & Preservation) for Garden Wildlife, Inc. approached the National Wildlife Federation and asked if they could get their whole community certified. The "Sage & Songbirds" program was created and residents were encouraged to create gardens friendly to butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds. Every year, the first weekend of May, the Sage & Songbirds Festival is held in Alpine with garden tours, educational seminars and plant sales. Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista is the second largest city in San Diego County. Located seven mile south of downtown San Diego and seven miles north of one of the world's busiest international border crossings, Chula Vista is at the crossroads of the region. From a scenic bay front that stretches along the coast to the communities and majestic San Miguel Mountain in the east, Chula Vista is known for its residential design and environmental innovation. Encinitas, CA
Incorporated in 1986, Encinitas has a small town atmosphere and a wealth of picturesque, practically pristine natural settings for residents and tourists to appreciate. It is bordered on the north by the Batiquitos Lagoon, on west by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy lands and on the east by more open space and less-developed neighborhoods. Of primary concern to the city is the loss of wildlife habitat and the increasingly polluted local groundwater. Scripps Ranch Estates, CA
Scripps Ranch Estates is a 200-acre, gated housing development that was built in the early 1980s. It is just north of the Miramar Marine Command Air Station. Some of the areas that are not developed are also not irrigated and are native chaparral and naturalized plantings. The community was hit hard by the Cedar Fire of October, 2003 and is still recovering from that event. Special concerns include invasive eucalyptus trees and non-native grasses. Sonoma County, CA
Sonoma County is a mostly rural county with nine incorporated towns and 62 small unincorporated areas. It is known for its agricultural produce and excellent wines. Sonoma County's well-known wine country has world-class wineries that are open to the public. The visitor can enjoy sweeping vineyard vistas as well as excellent lodging and restaurants. Sonoma County's project was led by the non-profit Joyful Living California, which also promotes organic farmers markets and holistic medicine. Colchester, CT
In 2005 Colchester, Connecticut, was named the 57th best place to live in America by Money Magazine. Through its history, Colchester has evolved from an agricultural community to one of early industry and now a rural/suburban community with several family-run farms, a thriving business district and a significant commuter population. Colchester has many natural resources including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, forests, wetlands, and open space. The project team is focused on activities and education to help people rediscover nature to ensure the ongoing quality of life and environment in their community. Townsend, DE
Established in 1885, Townsend is a small, historic community that was listed in the National Registry of Historic Places in 1986. The town is surrounded by picturesque farmland and protected wetlands that support an abundance of native plants and native wildlife. The Townsend Community Wildlife Habitat project is supported in part by NWF's state affiliate, the Delaware Nature Society. Broward County, FL
Broward County stretches from the Everglades in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. Their motto is "From Sawgrass to Seagrass." NatureScape Broward is a program of the county's Water Resources Division. They encourage residents to create "Florida-friendly landscapes that conserve water, protect water quality and create wildlife habitat." Although two thirds of the county remains as unpopulated Everglades, the county is committed to restoring the ecological integrity of the urban corridor as well. Broward County tied with Arlington County to be the first two counties in the nation certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat. Coconut Creek, FL
Coconut Creek is a rapidly growing suburb of Ft. Lauderdale with 16% of its acreage set aside as parks or other natural areas. The city is the Butterfly Capital of the World™, and is home to Butterfly World, the world's largest butterfly aviary. Butterfly gardens have been planted at the town hall, in town parks and at several schools in the city. Annual events include the Butterfly Festival, the 5K Butterfly Run, the Arbor Day Tree and Butterfly Plant Give Away and the Butterfly Parade. Even the new high school is named Monarch High. Coral Springs, FL
Coral Springs is a suburban community in Broward County bordered by the Everglades on the west. The city's motto is "The premier community in which to live, work and raise a family." Its main challenges are development pressure, urban sprawl, long-term water management strategies and invasive species such as Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and melaleuca. Species of concern include gopher tortoises, burrowing owls and wood storks. Hallandale Beach, FL
Hallandale was founded as a town in 1927, was reincorporated as a city in 1947and in 1999, it officially changed its name to Hallandale Beach. The city includes a mile of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and it maintains seven community parks, a tennis center, a municipal pool, a cultural center and a cemetery. The population of the city swells to nearly 50,000 during the winter months. In the past few years, the city has seen a resurgent growth in new commercial and high rise development. The project is being led by the city’s Department of Public Works. Oakland Park, FL
Oakland Park was incorporated in 1929. Over the past 50 years it has changed from a rural community where cows and hogs roamed throughout the city’s primitive roads to a modern, highly urbanized, but family-oriented city. Increasing the urban tree canopy is a big priority for the city and over one thousand trees have been planted in the past five years. The Community Wildlife Habitat project is being led by personnel from the city’s Park and Leisure Services Department. The project has been named WOW—Welcome Our Wildlife. Lighthouse Point, FL
The City of Lighthouse Point, Florida is named for the famous Hillsboro Lighthouse, which has stood guard over Hillsboro Inlet since 1906. The City is characterized by informal affluence and a leisurely pace, tree-shaded streets and water-laced residential areas. The Intracoastal Waterway forms the eastern boundary of the city and Federal Highway (Rte. 1) the western boundary. Approximately 20 acres of parks have been set aside along with 13 miles of walking and bicycling paths. Parkland, FL
Incorporated in 1963, the City of Parkland is committed to maintaining a "park-like" setting. Parkland is a residential community with limited commercial property. It includes agricultural and equestrian life styles typified by plant nurseries, ranches, conservation areas and open space. The majority of land in the city is zoned low density. Species of concern include bald eagles, wood storks, gopher tortoises and burrowing owls. The city is especially concerned about water conservation and growth management. Wilton Manors, FL
The City of Wilton Manors is known as the "Island City," as it is surrounded by water, including the North and South Forks of the Middle River. The City is nearly one hundred percent build out and embraces the vision of a sustainable urban village. Wilton Manors has acquired 35 acres of park and open space with much of it on the Middle River and provides a canoe trail, mangrove preserve and two nature trails. A major focus of Wilton Manors' project is water quality and conservation. Endangered species in or near the city include manatees, wood storks, Florida grasshopper sparrows and snail kites. Plantation, FL
The City of Plantation is a thriving urban area with tree-lined streets, parks and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Their project is being led by the city's Department of Landscape Architecture. The department has a developed an urban forestry management plan that includes a huge initiative on public education, tree planting and annual events to celebrate the city's arboriculture. Even the city's logo is a rendition of a tree. Pompano Beach, FL
Pompano Beach is a beautiful beachfront city bordered on its full length by the Atlantic Ocean. Due to recurring hurricanes and water shortages, the area’s vegetation is finally transitioning away from tropical exotics and more towards native plants, with the help of groups such as NatureScape Broward. Pompano Beach is the second oldest city in Broward County and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in July, 2008. The “Grow Wild!” team is hoping to be certified in concert with this event. Winter Haven, FL
Riparian areas and lakes account for more than 30% of the land area in Winter Haven, providing excellent habitat for wildlife. Sixteen of the lakes are connected by a system of navigable canals better know as "The Chain of Lakes". The City of Winter Haven has taken a proactive approach toward protecting these water resources. Storm water retrofit projects such as the one at South Lake Howard Nature Park filter out pollutants such as motor oil, grease and fertilizers before they reach the lake. Endangered and threatened species include wood storks, snail kites, sand skinks and eastern indigo snakes. For more information, go to www.whwhat.org. Chamblee, GA
This project began as a collaboration of the Huntley Hills Neighborhood Association, the Georgia Wildlife Federation and the local Master Gardeners group. Huntley Hills is a neighborhood within Chamblee, characterized by older homes, lawns and mature oak and tulip trees, which were planted when the homes were built. By the time of certification, the project had spread to all of the City of Chamblee, and much of the outlying areas. Hidden Springs, ID
Hidden Springs is a master-planned community, almost half of which will remain as open space. The community has a village green, 10-acre fruit orchard, 145-year-old farmstead with a 5-acre organic farm, native plant demonstration garden and a wastewater treatment facility that uses reclaimed water for irrigation purposes. The dominant ecosystem is semi-arid sagebrush/grassland. Members of Hidden Springs' Open Space Council and the Town Association led the efforts for certification. Bloomington, IN
The city of Bloomington lies in Monroe County, home to the Hoosier National Forest and the Morgan-Monroe State Forest. The forests are comprised of Mesic hardwoods and all of the lakes are man-made. Bloomington's project is being led by the Center for Sustainable Living, a non-profit group that is concerned with the human ecological footprint. Their goal is to educate the people of Bloomington and create a more biologically diverse, healthy and sustainable city. For more information, go to www.simplycsl.org. Cottage Home, IN
The Cottage Home Neighborhood is a Near Eastside historic neighborhood within the Indianapolis city limits. Old growth trees are prominent throughout the 150-home community. Pogue’s Run creek flows southeast through the neighborhood and houses an array of wildlife habitat. The Cottage Home Neighborhood Association is leading the Community Wildlife Habitat project. Lawrence Township, IN
Lawrence Township is a fully developed residential suburban community and home to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and Geist Reservoir. The community also has eight local parks, a scout camp and seven outdoor learning labs. There is a great blue heron rookery nearby at the confluence of Indian Creek and Fall Creek. A huge shopping area and a major interstate crossing through the township have led to the township's growth and to the reduction in natural areas. Zionsville, IN
The greater Zionsville community consists of Eagle Township and Union Township, which together form the Eagle-Union School Corporation. The project was led by a group called Habitat Creation, Preservation and Restoration, otherwise known as Habitat CPR. Their goal was to encourage residents to restore wildlife habitats throughout the two townships. At the time Zionsville was certified, the community had 83 certified backyards, 3 schools, and 8 workplaces and municipal areas, including the local Chamber of Commerce. Hesston, KS
Hesston has the peace and quiet of a small community with the convenience of a large city nearby. Historically, the dominant ecosystem was tall-grass prairie, but now Hesston has mostly mixed deciduous forest and the surrounding area is predominantly tilled cropland. Hesston's project was initiated by the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, a 13-acre public garden celebrating native plants of Kansas. Endangered species include the eskimo curlew, whooping cranes, least terns and Topeka shiners. For more information, go to www.cs.hesston.edu/ppg. Milton, MA
Milton is a suburban community that borders the city of Boston. A large part of the town (40%) is taken up by the Blue Hills State Park, which includes a ski area and the Big Blue Hill, an important meteorological observatory. Recently, the Neponset River Greenway was constructed and it consists of a bike/walking path along the river. The community's project was led by Milton Outdoor Classrooms, a group whose goal is to create outdoor classrooms at all Milton Public Schools. Their anchor project was the Glover Elementary Outdoor Classroom. For more information, go to www.miltonoutdoorclassrooms.com/. Takoma Park, MD
Takoma Park was founded in 1883 and has a large number of old homes and mature trees. The population is very diverse in age, ethnicity and economic condition and includes many professionals, artists, musicians and writers. Takoma Park has been a “Tree City” since 1984 and has many progressive environmental programs, led by groups such as the Friends of Sligo Creek, the Takom Park Horticulture Club and the Takoma Park Committee on the Environment. Belding, MI
Belding is a quiet, rural town on the banks of the Flat River. Belding used to be known as the Silk City in the early 1900s and in 1925, the Belding Bros. & Co. mill produced 95% of the silk thread in the U.S. Belding and the surrounding area have a rich natural character, contributing to the small town appeal. There are relatively undisturbed areas throughout the city, the Flat River and its adjoining woodlands. The project team plans to improve habitat along selected stretches of the river. The non-profit Silk City Nature Association was created to carry out the work of the certification project. Chesterfield, MO
A suburb of St. Louis, Chesterfield is filled with people who are passionate about wildlife, native plants and a healthy environment. The habitat team's anchor project was to establish a native tallgrass prairie on the site of the homestead of former Missouri Governor Bates at Faust County Park. This site was later designated the state's first "Grow Native" demonstration garden. Chesterfield now has native flora in its road medians, native landscaping at City Hall and a butterfly garden at Central Park. The city hosts a Tree, Earth and Arbor Day celebration every April. Weaverville, NC
Weaverville is a small town with a large community spirit. It is situated about 2,300 feet above sea level in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The local economy is dominated by small-scale commercial and mercantile pursuits, as well as light industry, and an increasingly vibrant arts community. As the economic center of north Buncombe County, the town is a hub of commercial and real estate activity. High Bridge, NJ
High Bridge is a quintessentially American small town conveniently situated midway between New York City and Philadelphia. It was named for a 112 foot high, 1,300 foot long bridge built by the Central Railroad Company across the South Branch of the Raritan River. High Bridge operates under a Borough form of government. The Environmental Commission, with full support of the Borough Council, is leading High Bridge's Habitat project. Highland Park, NJ
Located on a bend of the Raritan River approximately five miles upriver from Raritan Bay, Highland Park was named for its park-like setting on the bluffs of the river. It has a diversified population and is a "bedroom community" for commuters going to Newark, Trenton and NYC, as well as for Rutgers University. Highland Park has taken steps to improve its environmental footprint and received the 2005 NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection's Environmental Leadership Award and was designated NJ's first Green Community. Montclair, NJ
Montclair is an older suburb of NYC, having experienced its greatest growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when its development was stimulated by easy train access to New York. This early pattern of development influences Montclair to this day and it has six train stations offering easy commuter access to New York and several local shopping districts. Parks cover 278 acres in town and there are over 17,000 shade trees in the town. Montclair is well-known locally for its Victorian homes, rich cultural life and racial and economic diversity. For more information, go to www.montclairwildlife.com. Stillwater Township, NJ
Stillwater Township is primarily a farming community and is one of the few agricultural areas left in New Jersey. In 1741, as gristmill was built in what is now Stillwater village. The township itself was created in 1824. There is abundant limestone in the area and the remains of several lime kilns can still be found. One of the members of the Community Wildlife Habitat team is working on the project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Montreat, NC
Montreat is a beautiful mountain village surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is filled with gurgling streams, abundant native flora and fauna and gorgeous mountain vistas. It is bordered by the Pisgah National Forest and the Asheville Watershed Natural Area. Originally founded as a spiritual mountain retreat, Montreat is home to the Montreat Conference Center (owned by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.) and Montreat College, a four-year Christian liberal arts college. An incorporated town since 1967, Montreat contains no commercial development. Brooklyn Centre, OH
Brooklyn Centre is an older, inner-city neighborhood with good public access to Major Cuyahoga Metro Parks and other green spaces. A dense population of old-growth trees line the residential streets. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located within the neighborhood, and has helped make residents aware of protecting wildlife and habitat. The annual Brooklyn Centre Garden Tour calls the neighborhood “a small town in the heart of a big city”. Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village, OH
The urban eco-village project is a demonstration effort directed at developing a sustainable urban neighborhood by focusing on building community, ecological health and economic prosperity for the residents of Enright Avenue. The community owns 200 acres of undeveloped woodland as well as a 16-acre nature preserve used for educational purposes. For more information, go to www.enrightridgeecovillage.org/ Hamburg, PA
Hamburg is a small historic town, noted for its beautiful Victorian architecture. Located in the northern Berks County, it is known as the crossroads of Northern Berks. It is bordered on the north by the beautiful Blue Mountains (crossed by the Appalachian Trail) and to the west by the Schuylkill River. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a famous location for viewing seasonal migration of raptors, is only ten miles away. Briarcliffe Acres, SC
The Town of Briarcliffe Acres is a small township on the Atlantic coast. Although originally planned as a retirement community, it has instead developed into a diverse community of all ages, races and religions. There are 240 homes on large, wooded lots, four common areas, a beach dunes walkover and a small park on one of the lakes. Briarcliffe Acres is rich in natural beauty. The beach area includes 3,500 feet of undeveloped shoreline and a marsh. Alligators, foxes, raccoons, opossum, deer and many varieties of birds inhabit the woodlands. Callawassie Island, SC
Callawassie Island is part of South Carolina's Low Country. It is a sea island, protected from the Atlantic by the larger barrier island, Hilton Head Island. Callawassie Island is a gated community, surrounded by marshes teeming with shorebirds. Inland lagoons are inhabited by American alligators, bald eagles nest in residents' trees and wood storks can be seen on the golf course. The island's Ecology Committee led the efforts for certification and is responsible for many educational and community-wide efforts on behalf of wildlife. Dataw Island, SC
Dataw Island is gated community, located on an 870 acre sea island. The island is surrounded by a deep water river, a deep water creek and tidal marshes. There are pine woodlands, mixed deciduous forest and open fields on the island. The community has two golf courses, four nature preserves and fresh water retention ponds. Residents enjoy golf, tennis, croquet, boating and nature viewing. The island provides habitat for birds, rodents, deer, alligators and fish. Kiawah Island, SC
Kiawah Island is a barrier island in South Carolina’s Low Country. It has 10 miles of beachfront, maritime forests and fresh and saltwater wetlands. The population of the island is growing rapidly and the Kiawah Island Community Association is concerned about dwindling wildlife habitat. The Land and Lakes Management Department has already put certain standards in place in order to protect the water quality and the remaining habitat. Austin, TX
Austin was chartered in 1839 as the capital of the Republic of Texas, and became the state capital when Texas was admitted to the Union in 1846. It is the fourth largest city in Texas and the sixteenth most populous city in the US. The Community Wildlife Habitat project is being led by the City of Austin, which has named it Wildlife Austin! The project is part of the city’s Climate Protection Initiative. Sunset Valley, TX
The City of Sunset Valley was incorporated in 1954 and is independent of, but has close ties to, Austin, the state capital. This small city is endeavoring to maintain their rural roots, while offering all the modern conveniences. Nearly 25% of the city is dedicated as green space. The Community Wildlife Habitat team consists of one city employee and several residents. Burlington, VT
Although a small city, Burlington is the largest city in Vermont. It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, between the Adirondack Mountains of New York and Vermont's Green Mountains. Burlington is considered to be a very livable city and is the arts and entertainment capital of Vermont. It is home to the University of Vermont and several small colleges. The Gardeners Supply Company, which is located in Burlington, has partnered with the certification project. Arlington County, VA
Although perhaps best known to visitors as the home of the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery, Arlington has maintained high quality residential neighborhoods, while supporting continued managed growth. Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment led the efforts for Arlington's certification. The group sponsored an 8-month-long contest between Arlington's neighborhoods. The neighborhood that had the most certifications won a dinner for 30 at a popular Lebanese restaurant. Broadlands, VA
Broadlands is a 1,500-acre master-planned community that combines modern living and active lifestyles within a natural environment. The community is built along Stream Valley Park, a linear park system that runs throughout Broadlands. Numerous trails, wetlands, woodlands and parks are found throughout the community. The Broadlands Homeowners Association sponsors nature-related activities for adults and children, based out of the community's Nature Center. Falls Church, VA
The City of Falls Church is an independent city that is only 2.2 square miles in size. Although it is densely populated and part of a large metropolitan area, the city is a tightly knit community with residents who take great pride in being active in local civic and social activities. The Falls Church Healthy Habitat project was initiated by the City of Falls Church Environmental Services Council. For more information, go to www.fallschurchenvironment.org . Great Falls, VA
Great Falls is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County. Thirty years ago it was a rural area with dairy farms, many of which eventually gave way to horse farms. It still maintains its low-density zoning and is known as an affluent bedroom community of Washington, D.C. with over 2,000 acres of park land. A national park of the same name lies within the boundaries of the community affording fabulous views of the Great Falls of the Potomac. Greater Mason District, VA
This project is being led by the Friends of Hidden Oaks Nature Center, a non-profit group associated with a county nature center. The Mason District is one of several districts within Fairfax County, Virginia. It is a relatively urban community, with an ethnically diverse population. A recent trend has been for small single-family homes to be replaced with mini-mansions, reducing backyards and mature trees. Green space in the district has declined significantly in the last 20 years, while there has been a dramatic increase in impervious surfaces. Reston, VA
Although Reston is the home of the National Wildlife Federation headquarters, their certification was achieved before NWF moved its offices to Reston in 2001. Reston was built as a planned community in the 1970s with homes organized into clusters and surrounded by open space. The certification project was led by the Reston Association, the second largest homeowners association in the country. In addition to NWF Community Wildlife Habitat certification, Reston has received the Green Community Award, the Tree City Award and their nature center has been declared an urban wildlife sanctuary by the Institute for Urban Wildlife. South Riding, VA
South Riding is a large-scale master-planned development, consisting of single-family detached homes, town homes, condominiums and apartments. The community also has two elementary schools, a high school, a golf course, churches and several businesses. The community's natural resources include ponds, lakes, streams, wetlands, deciduous forests, large cedar hedgerows and meadows. During development efforts were made to keep or transplant existing trees with a diameter greater than 16". Educational programs were regularly given to residents to teach about providing habitat and preserving wetlands. Alki, WA
Alki is the historical "birthplace" of Seattle. Today, it is a diverse, highly urbanized community. It is on the northern tip of the West Seattle peninsula, and is a favorite tourist destination offering sweeping views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay to the east, and the Olympic Mountains to the west. Schmitz Preserve Park contains the last old-growth forest in the immediate Puget Sound region. The Duwamish River, part of which runs through Alki, is a federal Supefund site, because of severe contamination. Bainbridge Island, WA
Only a ferry ride away from Seattle, Bainbridge Island has retained its rural character. It is noted for its natural beauty, abundance of wildlife, preserved open space, walking trails and narrow two-lane roads. The forested areas are mostly second-growth, with small areas of old growth. Also, much of the island is still farmed. There is a small-town atmosphere on the island, with a high level of community involvement. Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is a small city located on Puget Sound and it is the county seat of Whatcom County. It has an active port, which supports fishing, shipping and other industry. The citizens of Bellingham have a strong interest in their parks and green spaces, voting twice to tax themselves to purchase land for this purpose. To the east of Bellingham are the North Cascades Mountains, including volcanic Mt. Baker. Species of concern include chinook and coho Salmon, western pond turtles and marbled murrelets. Camano Island, WA
As an island in Puget Sound, Camano Island affords breathtaking views of the surrounding waterways, and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. It is a year-round home to commuters and retirees alike, as well a summer home to "snowbirds." The dominant ecosystem is upland coniferous forest. The habitat team certified both of the island's state parks and several of its nature preserves. Although 175 certification points were required, the habitat team insisted on sticking with their original goal of 500 certifications, which they achieved in time for the ceremony. Central Houghton Neighborhood, WA
The City of Kirkland is divided up into several different neighborhoods. The Central Houghton Neighborhood is at the southern edge of the city. It is comprised mainly of a single-family homes, but also includes Northwest College,the Houghton Shopping Center and multi-family developments. The primary policy direction is to maintain the low-density residential character of the neighborhood and to identify lands for future parks. Crescent Valley BMA, WA
The Crescent Valley Biodiversity Management Area is approximately 800 acres and it extends from Gig Harbor northward, following Crescent Creek, and including Crescent Lake. This area consists mostly of single-family homes, along with a few hobby farms. The Crescent Valley Alliance, an organization of local residents interested in maintaining the area's wealth of biodiversity, is leading the project. Edmonds, WA
Edmonds is a picturesque seaside community with views of Puget Sound and both the Olympic and Cascade Ranges. The waterfront is a transportation corridor, with railroad and ferry service. The City of Edmonds established an underwater scuba-diving park that is a protected marine sanctuary. In addition, a 23-acre brackish marsh is a wildlife sanctuary. Edmonds has a city ordinance that restricts cats; cats are not allowed to roam freely in the city limits. Fidalgo Island/Anacortes, WA
The Fidalgo Island/Anacortes community is comprised of three areas: rural Fidalgo in the south, the City of Anacortes in the north and the Swinomish tribal lands in the east. Fidalgo Island has numerous lakes, wetlands and streams; 1,300 foot Mt. Erie; more than 40 miles of saltwater coastline; and many state, county and city parks. Deception Pass State Park alone is 1,170 acres and there are 2,800 acres of Anacortes Community Forest Lands. Most of the parklands are dense coniferous forests. Species of concern include chinook and coho salmon, bald eagles, goldeneye buffleheads and wood ducks. Greater Oak Harbor, WA
The city of Oak Harbor is the largest on Whidbey Island. This project covers the boundaries of the Oak Harbor School District, from Deception Pass to San de Fuca. The Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey Island with Fidalgo Island, a certified Community Wildlife Habitat. The project is being coordinated by two Boy Scouts, members of the Oak High School Ecology Club, and a member of the Island County Weed Board. Lake Forest Park, WA
Lake Forest Park is a suburban community best characterized by its name. Nicknamed "the Park" by lifetime residents, Lake Forest Park incorporates an intricate network of streams and wetlands which flow into Lake Washington. The town has a lush green canopy including impressive stands of second growth conifers. Established trees are protected in the city ordinance code and healthy habitat is a community value. Threatened species include coho, chinook and sockeye salmon. Mercer Island, WA
Mercer Island is a suburban island community, within an easy commuting distance to downtown Seattle. The island has thirty-five parks and open space areas, over 50 miles of trails, public park beaches, a dog park, two stables and equestrian trails. There are twelve miles of shoreline, with several public access waterfront parks. Each end of the island has commercial development. Forest cover is primarily second growth deciduous, with some interspersed conifers. N.E. Seattle, WA
The N.E. Seattle project encompasses the neighborhoods of Ravenna, Wedgwood and Bryant. These neighborhoods are comprised mainly of single family homes, with a few apartment and townhome complexes and several small commercial urban village centers. Ravenna Park spans many city blocks and has hiking and bicycling trails. Ravenna Creek has been the center of significant habitat restoration and community involvement. Local partner groups include the Seattle Audubon Society, the Friends of Ravenna Park, the Wedgwood Community Council and the Ravenna-Roosevelt Eco-Village. Poulsbo, WA
Poulsbo is a water-front community, located on the shores of Liberty Bay within Puget Sound. It was settled by Norwegian immigrants and was incorporated in 1907, and still reflects much of its original Scandinavian heritage. While working towards Community Wildlife Habitat certification for Poulsbo, the team is collaborating with teams from Bainbridge Island and Kingston to eventually form a North Kitsap County regional habitat area. Shoreline, WA
Shoreline is a suburban community which offers classic Puget Sound beauty along with proximity to Seattle and all it offers. Shoreline is a "land bridge" between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with diverse natural habitats that include marine shoreline and bluffs, peat bogs, upland habitats and streams that drop back down to Lake Washington. In 2006, Shoreline citizens overwhelming voted to tax themselves $18.5 million to purchase open space properties, make park improvements and develop trails. Skagit Valley, WA
The Skagit Valley community is based around the Skagit River, which originates in the North Cascades and empties into Puget Sound. The City of Mount Vernon, voted the “Best Small City in America” in 1998, is the principal town. The lower Skagit Valley is very productive agricultural land, while the lands to the west are mostly uninhabited forest land. This community abuts the Fidalgo Island/Anacortes Community Wildlife Habitat project and the hope is to create wildlife corridors on a more regional basis. Tukwila, WA
Tukwila is found at the crossroads of two major interstate freeways. This convenient location has led to its being a center of commerce and industry, including the Boeing Company's Corporate Headquarters. It is a highly diverse cultural and ethnic community. The Community Wildlife Habitat project was sponsored by Tukwila Parks and Recreation. One hundred percent of Tukwila's schools were certified as well as numerous businesses. |
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Community Wildlife Habitat™ FAQ - Typical questions that communities ask when starting the process.
Become a Habitat Steward Volunteer - The National Wildlife Federation's Habitat Stewards program trains and offers volunteers who love gardening to help others certify their yards or communities.
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Garden for Wildlife Home - Find out how you can turn your garden into a wildlife friendly haven.
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