April 24th and 25th: Edmonds Community Wildlife Habitat Certification Celebration!

Edmonds, WA will be receiving Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation in April 2010 following almost two years of dedicated work by the Backyard and Community Wildlife Habitat team, the support of almost 161 residents, 5 schools, and 19 common places/parks who had registered their property as Backyard Wildlife Habitats through National Wildlife Federation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

On Saturday, April 24th, 2010 the Community Wildlife Habitat certification celebration will take place at Yost Park located at 9535 Bowdoin Way in conjunction with the City of Edmonds annual Watershed Fun Fair. On Sunday, April 25th, 2010 the certification celebration continues with the grand opening of the Willow Creek Hatchery Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden at 95 Pine Street, sponsored by the Pilchuck Audubon. This event will also include tour maps to Edmonds Backyard Habitat Certified Yards.

From 11AM to 4PM on Saturday, April 24th, the Watershed Fun Fair & Habitat Certification Celebration will feature displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all residents of Edmonds and other visitors. Participants include the Pilchuck Audubon Society, WSU Beach Watchers, Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force, PAWS Wildlife Center, Bats Northwest, Washington Butterfly Association, Just Frogs/Toads Too and the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

Chris Anderson of the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife will address the crowd, and a cake will be shared amongst the community in celebration of our joint efforts. Local Native Storyteller, Understanding Israel will lead us all in a blessing over the animals after which an all-species parade will begin. Everyone is invited to bring or wear a wildlife related costume, wings, etc. There will be tables set-up throughout the day with craft ideas and materials for making all- species costumes and masks.

National Wildlife Federation’s very own Ranger Rick will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
From 1PM to 3 PM on Sunday, April 25th there will be an open house at the Willow Creek Hatchery Garden at 95 Pine St. and Backyard Wildlife Habitat gardens open for visiting. At each of these gardens, which vary widely in size and focus, the owners are available to discuss gardening and habitat techniques. Maps to these gardens are available for pick-up at the Willow Creek Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden, 95 Pine Street on Sunday. This event is sponsored by Pilchuck Audubon.

For more information about the Edmonds Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project, visit our website at www.edmondsbackyardwildlifehabitat.org Make sure to check out our website’s Flickr page of photos from past events.