Backyard Habitat Program beautifies area homes
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
A limited number of residents in McKeesport and Glassport are being presented with a fun opportunity to beautify their properties while showing some love to Mother Nature and her critters.
Steel Rivers Council of Governments and Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania are collaborating to provide 35 Glassport and McKeesport households this summer and fall with “Certified Backyard Habitats.”
The habitats coming to the Mon Valley are meant to serve as “pollinator gardens” that support local plant species.
Participating households will receive bundles of native plants, valued at more than $100, and will be enrolled in ASWP’s Certified Backyard Habitat Program. Participating households will also get a complimentary ASWP membership.
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is an environmental education and conservation engagement organization serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Its mission is to connect the people of southwestern Pennsylvania to birds and nature through its programs, projects and places.
Its nature centers and reserves — Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Succop Nature Park and Todd Nature Reserve — offer more than 12 miles of trails through more than 600 tranquil acres that provide an oasis for individuals, families and groups to explore and reconnect with nature at their own pace.
Steel Rivers Council of Governments Executive Director An Lewis and ASWP spokeswoman Rachel Handel said that through the program in Glassport and McKeesport, ASWP will be able to offer support and education to help homeowners get started creating a pollinator garden or expand their current gardens.
The duo said that by creating backyard habitats, residents not only get to enjoy more natural beauty, but also support local birds, pollinators and wildlife.
“Native plants are a vital part of the natural landscape, and by installing native plants in your backyard, you support important pollinators including native honeybees, butterflies, birds, beneficial insects and mammals,” Handel said.
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