Newark Becomes an NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat
Newark Creates Community Where People AND Wildlife Can Flourish
Newark, DE - (September 29, 2014) - Leading a nationwide trend in community concern for habitat loss, Newark has been officially designated an NWF Community Wildlife Habitat, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recently announced. The distinction for this city is the 78th community in the country and the 2nd community in Delaware to receive this honor. A Community Wildlife Habitat project creates multiple habitat areas in backyards, schoolyards, corporate properties, community gardens, parkland and other spaces.
NWF commends the dedicated residents of Newark, the Conservation Advisory Commission, Delaware Nature Society, the University of Delaware, DNREC, Wild and Scenic White Clay Creek, and Clear into the Future for their wildlife conservation efforts and for coming together for a common purpose - to create a community where people and wildlife can flourish. At a time when communities are faced with the problems of losing habitat to development, Newark stands out as a model for other communities to emulate. The knowledge and inspiration that this project has generated will lead Newark residents and visitors to take better care of their natural world.
"Congratulations to my friends in Newark for joining an elite group of conservation-minded cities across the nation that have been certified by the National Wildlife Federation for providing high quality habitat for wildlife," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "Thanks to the partnership among the City of Newark, the Delaware Nature Society, and many local partner organizations, Newark is emerging as a national leader in the Federation's effort to restore wildlife habitat and provide outdoor learning opportunities across America."
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.
The Community Wildlife Habitat project is part of NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program. These projects benefit the entire community of plants, wildlife, and people through the creation of sustainable landscapes that require little or no pesticides, fertilizers, and excess watering. These landscapes help keep water and air resources clean. They are healthier for people and the environment, and are less resource-dependent than conventional landscapes. Habitat landscapes can serve to beautify our urban areas and give residents pride in their neighborhoods.
To date, 78 communities have been recognized with Community Wildlife Habitat certification. Since 1973, NWF has provided millions of people with the basic guidelines for making their landscapes more wildlife-friendly. There are more than 160,000 certified habitats nationwide. For more information, please go to: www.nwf.org/community.
This award will be presented to Mayor Polly Sierer at a ceremony on October 9, 2014, at 3 PM at Phillips Park. For more information on Newark's receipt of this award, contact Thomas Atadan, Research Aide at (302) 366-7020 or tatadan@newark.de.us
For more National Wildlife Federation news, visit: www.nwf.org/news .
National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.
Christina Batcheler
703-438-6098
National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. Learn more at www.nwf.org.