Student Project Receives Habitat Certfication

A group of  Elementary School Students have seen a year of hard work (and fun!) building a wildlife habitat at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center pay off with national certification. The students who participate in the Center’s “After School Adventures Club” program received approval from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) designating their garden project in front of our Center as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Center Executive Director Catherine Timko cut the ribbon at yesterday's celebration of the habitat which is enhanced by a rock-rimmed water feature constructed by the students.

The NWF recognition goes to individuals or groups who follow specific guidelines for creating a garden area that provides food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young in addition to incorporating sustainable gardening practices. The 24 students in the After School Adventures Club are in grades 1 – 4 and hail from a variety of tNE Ohio towns.

The best part of the year-long experience for 4th grader Adam Goyetche of Westlake was, “all the hikes we did collecting items and observing where animals live.” Adam's  said the class has already observed a nest being built high in the trees in the newly certified habitat.

Education Specialists Bev Walborn and Jennifer Lee say they are proud of what the students learned in the hands-on project. “The kids were involved in experiences that created a real awareness and a connection to the wildlife that share our backyards,” said Walborn.

Find more information about the the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Habitat program here.