CWF Certifies Nova Scotia Community "Wildlife Friendly"

OTTAWA, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce a "first" for its Backyard Certification Program. The village of Lawrencetown, NS in Annapolis County has been certified wildlife friendly. Marking the first time an entire community has received such a designation from the Federation.

"I wasn't sure it could be done but I'm thrilled to say Lawrencetown showed me it could," said Wade Luzny, CWF CEO and Executive Vice President. "It was an enormous undertaking for the village and its residents, but well worth it. They will reap the rewards for years to come. In addition to providing for wildlife, certified habitats conserve our natural resources by reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation water, which ultimately protects the air, soil and water throughout our communities."

CWF's Backyard Habitat Certification Program recognizes the amazing efforts Canadians are taking to meet the habitat needs of wildlife and allows for properties to receive and official designation as wildlife friendly. In certifying properties, CWF ensures an outdoor space meets the needs of wildlife - food, water, shelter, space the inclusion of native plants. To date, more than 650 properties across Canada have been certified.

"I would have done anything I could to help our town receive the designaition. Even if that meant doing all the paperwork and driving from property to property to take pictures," says Diana Ackroyd, the inspiration and driving force behind Lawrencetown's certification.

Representatives from the Canadian Wildlife Federation will be in Lawrencetown on Saturday, January 28, 2012 to present the certification at a celebration at Nova Scotia Community College. 

This year the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) will commemorate 50 years of conserving and protecting Canadian wildlife and its habitat. Formed in 1962, its unique combination of action, engagement and trusted environmental education has been at the forefront of Canadian conservation ever since.

Today, with more than 300,000 members, CWF is Canada's largest conservation organization with activities, research and projects having taken place in virtually every community in Canada.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national non-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending policy changes and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

Sean Brillant
CWF Conservation
[phone]

Louise Hanlon
CWF Communications
[phone]
[email protected]

Diana Ackroyd
[phone]
[email protected]