Certified Backyard Habitat Programs
Nothing says spring like learning how to make your space a welcoming environment for local wildlife! In this series, we will guide you to qualify your backyard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. A certified backyard habitat contains the essential needs that wildlife need to thrive, including food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young.
Register for the Backyard Habitat Series
Backyard Habitat: Food Workshop – April 13 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Exploration Gateway
In order to survive, all animals need access to sufficient food. Stark Parks naturalists will discuss the food chain of native species and the best plants to have in your backyard to attract and provide nourishment to native wildlife.
Symbiotic Wetlands – May 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Exploration Gateway
Join the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District staff and learn about the value of wetlands. These habitats play a role in stormwater retention, flood control, recreation opportunities, and improving water quality. During this presentation, you will learn what you can do to protect our wetlands by minimizing pollution and reducing runoff.
Shelter
June 13 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Exploration Gateway
Cost: $10 per kit
Placing a nesting box around your garden helps provide a home for wildlife as well as a place to raise young. Learn about the different types of nest boxes (natural and man-made) and why they are important. You will have the opportunity you build your own box and meet an educational wildlife ambassador. All materials are provided, and registration is required. Note: One kit per family unit. Please sign-up only one family member to represent your group, and mention in the notes how many will be attending with you.
Rain Gardens – July 24 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Exploration Gateway
Join the staff from Stark Soil and Water Conservation District as they speak about green infrastructure practices such as rain gardens, and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener!
Rain Barrels and Compost Bins – Sept. 12 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Sippo Lake Park-Exploration Gateway
Have you considered using rain barrels or compost bins but are unsure where to start? Join Stark Soil and Water Conservation District staff and learn about the benefits of implementing these sustainable practices in your backyard. This program is part of the backyard habitat certification series.
Certify Your Backyard
A certified backyard habitat contains the essential needs that wildlife need to thrive, including food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young.
After you've joined a Backyard Habitat Series program (or a few!), you should have the info you need to certify your own space.
