Notes on May 10th 2006

Note: This may be help to the issues surrounding the use of the Hickory Run site. If anyone attends, please report to the BOD what happened.

GREAT FALLS CITIZEN ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES COMMUNITY HABITAT PROGRAM

On May 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange, the Great Falls Citizen Association will be presenting an introduction to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community and Backyard Habitat Certification Programs. The GFCA will be asking Great Falls residents to participate as individual lot owners and as a community. The Goal is to see Great Falls certified as Community Wildlife Habitat within the next two years.

The NWF Backyard Habitat Program
NWF provides guidance so that your backyard becomes a Backyard Wildlife Habitat site which provides for wildlife the five basic elements needed for survival; food, water, cover and places to raise young along with sustainable gardening practices. Property owners also employ sustainable gardening practices that conserve natural resources. Backyard Habitat certification is easy and can be done on-line as you meet the required criteria or by submitting a written form.
The Community Wildlife Habitat Program
The Community Wildlife Habitat is a certification project that is part of National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat(tm) Program. Community Wildlife Habitat projects take the basics of this program - providing food, water, cover, and places where wildlife can raise their young - from the individual backyard to multiple locations throughout the community.

Community Wildlife Habitat projects benefit the entire community of people, plants and wildlife 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. A Community Wildlife Habitat project multiplies this positive effect by creating habitat areas in backyards, schoolyards, corporate properties, community gardens, parkland and other spaces. These projects also incorporate community projects such as stream cleanups, invasive plant removals, and plant and wildlife rescues. The Village Green Day School and Great Falls Elementary School, (along with several other schools in Fairfax) are certified sites in the county, as is the Great Falls Library.

Arlington County, Reston in Hunter Mill District and South Riding in Loudoun County are already certified Community Wildlife Habitats in Virginia. (There are 15 sites listed on the NWF website as certified.) Broadlands in Ashburn and the City of Falls Church have registered to begin the process.

For further information contact the Co-chairs of this effort:

If you wish to post a referral or other announcement, please login at one of the following websites:

Sharon E. Rainey
President & Founder
Neighbors International, LLC
1146-D Walker Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
Phone: 703-759-2102
Fax 703-759-5415
www.neighbors-international.com
Copyright 2006 FYInetwork.info, LLC All Rights Reserve

John P. McGeehan, President
(703) 759-4725