National Wildlife Federation certifies new wildlife habitat in Chestertown

CHESTERTOWN – Heron Point’s Riverfront Garden has been designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat® by the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization. This is in addition to the to the Certified Wildlife Habitat® designation the whole Heron Point campus received in 2022.

Heron Point’s Riverfront Garden is a half-acre-plus natural area along the community’s Chester River frontage. Since 2021, a group of residents has been working to build an environmentally sustainable native garden that supports birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other wildlife.

The National Wildlife Federation noted that Heron Point’s Riverfront Garden received this certification because the garden “provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.”

In 2022, the garden also received a Bay-Wise® certification from University of Maryland Extension for ‘sustainable landscape practices for a healthy Chesapeake Bay’, scoring 59 points, well over the 36 points needed to qualify.

“We began renovating this riverfront area in 2021 by increasing the number and variety of native flowering plants, shrubs and small trees,” explained Connie Schroth, Master Gardener, Heron Point resident and chair of the Riverfront Garden Interest Group. “This past year the group expanded the range of flowering plants that attract pollinators, including little bluestem, liatris, anemone, monarda, cardinal flower, milkweed, vervain, verbena, ferns, lupine, poppy black-eyes Susans, irises, daffodils and more.

“In addition to a multitude of butterflies and bees, rabbits, deer, snakes, foxes, birds and turtles are regular visitors to the garden,” she added.

Heron Point management supports these resident-directed activities. “They’ve been particularly helpful to our efforts,” Mrs. Schroth added, “They upgraded the garden’s irrigation system that is used as needed in the early morning hours. The area has been mulched to about two inches of coverage with mulch and leaves blown from our lawns. And, they have turned the decisions on types and placement of plants and their care over to us.”

Jessica Hall, executive director commented: “Heron Point is a vibrant community where residents, team members and visitors come together to enjoy and appreciate the beautifully cared for gardens throughout the year. The natural and native riverfront garden is a testament to the passion and care our residents have for creating a vibrant and inviting community space. I am privileged to lead a community that is dedicated to enhancing residents' well-being through resident-directed activities such as gardening.”