The Bowie Gardens for Wildlife (BG4W) Habitat Team and the Bowie Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) will host a “Habitat 101 Workshop and Tour” at Bowie City Hall. Guest Speaker Patrick Fitzgerald, Senior Director of Education Management at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), will welcome participants. Next, BG4W Habitat Team Leader Maria Arnold will present the four elements of habitat, with an emphasis on sustainable gardening practices, and explain how property owners can certify their habitat through NWF. Finally, Jamie Vavra, Bowie Green Team Chair, will lead a tour of the new native plant rain garden next to the parking lot.
This free workshop is part of a larger effort for Bowie to become an NWF certified Community Wildlife Habitat. To achieve this goal, Bowie must meet education and certification goal targets based on our population size including minimum numbers of certified homes, schools, and community sites, such as places of worship or homeowner association properties. Bowie has reached two-thirds of the certification points needed for the community goal. More homes, schools, and community habitats are needed for Bowie to join 75 other certified communities across the United States—including Annapolis, Centreville, and Takoma Park. Learn more at www.cityofbowie.org/habitat and at http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Certify-Your-Wildlife-Garden.aspx.
The BG4W Habitat Team, in conjunction with the EAC, provides support to the City for this project. The Habitat Team also supports the City’s Animal Control and Code Compliance Offices, in the Department of Community Services, and promotes full compliance with all City codes and regulations (specifically Chapters 5 and 15). To learn more about this project, become a Habitat Team member, or join the BG4W email list, contact the Habitat Team at bowiegardens4wildlife@yahoo.com or visit the “Bowie Gardens for Wildlife” Facebook page where you can join a community of habitat gardeners.
