Takoma Park Becomes First NWF Certified Community Wildlife Habitat in Maryland

Environmental friendliness in Takoma Park? You don't say.

Takoma Park is now the 50th U.S. Community Wildlife Habitat and the first town in Maryland to be awarded the certification.

"Takoma Park appreciates the persistence of Bruce Sidwell [who helped shepherd the project]. City Gardener Mike Welsh was happy to provide the four public sites to be counted towards the requirement," Takoma Park Director of Public Works Daryl Braithwaite said. The goals of our City garden programs mesh well with the National Wildlife Federation's focus on use of native plants and providing habitats."

The program, which is run by the National Wildlife Federation, requires a community to earn a certain number of points in five categories: registration, habitat certification, education, community projects and administrative. Communities creative individualized programs to fit the needs of the town.

The NWF has certified 50 communities in 20 states. Rockville and Bowie are working on their certification.