Rehoboth Golf Park recognized as Certified Wildlife Habitat

The National Wildlife Federation has recognized Rehoboth Golf Park at 20054 Shuttle Road in Rehoboth Beach as an official Certified Wildlife Habitat site. NWF celebrates the efforts to maintain open space that provides habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife with the essential elements needed by all wildlife - natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young.

“Providing a home for wildlife in our communities - whether it’s at home, or in schools, businesses or parks - is the demonstration of a healthy and active ecosystem. There is no more rewarding way to stay connected to nature right outside your door,” said David Mizejewski, a NWF naturalist.

NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program has been helping people take personal action on behalf of wildlife for more than 40 years. The program engages homeowners, businesses, schools, churches, parks and other institutions that want to make their communities wildlife friendly.

This new certified habitat joins NWF’s roll of more than 150,000 certified habitats nationwide. Wildlife habitats are important to year-round wildlife residents as well as species that migrate, such as some birds and butterflies. Each habitat is unique for both beauty and function.

The Rehoboth Golf Park’s nine holes of Par 3 golf encompasses 20-plus acres of rolling terrain bordered by a mature woods along Johnson’s Branch and a farm hedgerow of native trees. A one-acre pond partially surrounded by water-loving trees and edged with cattails anchors the center of the property. Areas between fairways have been left to grow native grasses and shrubs, thus reducing water and fertilizer usage. A total of 90 species of birds was tallied for 2013, which included bald eagles and wild turkey.

People who create a Certified Wildlife Habitat receive a one-year subscription to the award-winning National Wildlife magazine, a personalized certificate and quarterly e-newsletters with tips for improving their habitat for wildlife. They also are eligible to purchase NWF’s special outdoor sign designating their yard or garden as wildlife-friendly.

For more information on gardening for wildlife and details on how an entire community can become certified, visit www.nwf.org/habitat or call 1-800-822-9919. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for their children’s future.