Bloomington named a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat

Bloomington was named the 27th Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in the nation this weekend.
The National Wildlife Federation recognizes communities that provide food, water, cover and nesting places for native wildlife by practicing sustainable gardening.
“It helps protect our wildlife and habitat, it’s important to reducing global warming, and it’s a wonderful and healthy way to teach children,” said Rebecca Scheibelhut, past chair of the Natural Wildlife Federation, who presented the award Saturday during the Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market.
“It’s another honor that puts our community on the map,” said Mayor Mark Kruzan. “We are only the second city in Indiana to receive this designation and 27th in the entire country. It’s the sustainable thing to do, it adds to our community character
and gives people a practical way to fi ght global warming.”
The idea to certify Bloomington began six years ago when several Bloomington residents said they had already had their homes individually certified. However, today
there are 261 homes, seven schools, four businesses and two churches with certified yards.
Cathy Meyer, naturalist for Monroe County Parks and Recreation said the idea came from an intern at the Bloomington Center for Sustainable Living and grew from there. The intern came from Zionsville, Ind., the first community in Indiana to receive the distinction.
“I didn’t have to convince people, some people already had everything there,” Meyer said, who went to neighbors and schools to file for the certification. To earn the certification, residents and businesses are encouraged to stop mowing, plant native plants, which will require less water, and avoid using chemicals, said Lucille Bertuccio , president of the Bloomington Center for Sustainable Living.
She said that mowing for one hour is the same as driving 20 miles in your car. During her presentation Saturday, she said that the EPA estimates that 60-70 million birds are poisoned every year by chemicals used on lawns and farms.
Bryan Park became another certified wildlife habitat said Steve Cotter, natural resource manager for Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department , when his department was approached by Bertuccio. “We were happy to help,” Cotter said. With the Bryan Park Creek Naturalization he said he’s seen “a lot of butterflies, birds, salamanders, frogs, a lot more insects. It’s made it a lot more interesting.”