Gardeners Seek Wildlife Certification

With any luck, birds, butterflies and small animals such as rabbits will soon be calling Eaton Park home.

The Gardeners of Crooked Billet are working to have a small portion of the Hatboro park designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat. The club's President, Lori Pancione, made a presentation to the Hatbroo Borough Council this week.

The governing body took no action. Council President John Zygmont said the potential collaborative effort between the club and the borough would be discussed at the council's November committee meeting and could be up for formal consideration on Nov. 25. 

Should the council OK the club's use of the property, "we will immediately file the application for the designation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat and purchase the sign," Pancione said. 

"The actual installation will be on the timeline of the Hatboro Council," she said. "We hope soon."

Following the meeting, Pancione said the club's intent, in conjunction with the National Garden Clubs of America, is to improve natural habitats and green spaces within towns and parks around the country. She said the designation would be an extension of the club's existing maintenance of the park's children's garden.

The Certified Wildlife Habitat designation would preserve nesting and feeding sites for migratory and native birds, preserve wetland areas to control water runoff and flooding potential and would serve as a habitat and undercover for small animals.

In time it could also offer educational opportunities for school and adult groups such as a photography and bird watching groups, protection of butterflies as well as encourage civic and environmental responsibility to be mindful of carbon footprints in a time of global warming. 

The Gardeners already maintain the park's children's garden and Pancione said the designation would be a natural extension of those efforts. 

"Small town areas are challenged to protect buffer zones so important in preserving our natural habitats," she said. "Additionally, it is just fun and peaceful to walk on a park trail with lots to observe."