Chula Vista Preschool Receives Wildlife Habitat Certification

Hilltop Child Development Center in Chula Vista has been on a winning streak ever since the inception of their “Habitat gARTen” this past November. In less than half a year, the garden has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat.”

Nearly 200 parents, children, community members, and artists and designers volunteered their time on November 15th and 16th, 2014 to lend a hand in building and planting the garden. Materials for the project were purchased with a $40,820 grant awarded to Child Development Associates, Inc. specifically for the Habitat gARTen at the Hilltop Child Development Center, as part of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program of the County Board of Supervisors.

This special certification by the National Wildlife Federation identifies this space as a wildlife-friendly garden that helps to “restore habitat in commercial and residential areas.” To become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat, a garden must meet these four requirements:

1. Provide Food for Wildlife
2. Supply Water for Wildlife
3. Create Cover for Wildlife
4. Give Wildlife a Place to Raise Their Young

The Habitat gARTen is a large section of the Hilltop campus that serves as a mini sanctuary for birds, insects, water, and a variety of plants. This outdoor classroom integrates art, science, nature, and gardening into the children’s daily schedule.

Child Development Associates, Inc. (CDA) is a multi-service child development agency that has been providing child care and development services since 1974. Today, CDA operates six state subsidized child development centers in San Diego County, an Alternative Payment program for low income families, a Child Care Food Program throughout six counties in Southern California, and administers payments for the Quality Preschool Initiative. Please visit www.cdasandiego.com for more information