Sunset Beach ERC to promote National Wildlife Federation community habitat certification

A committee member explained the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) community wildlife habitat certification process and urged the ERC to promote homeowner signup as the first step toward community certification. The certification awards points for individual yards that provide food, water, cover and places to raise young; the committee member said certification takes about 10 minutes per yard and noted a donation and inexpensive signage options for participants.

The member recommended distributing brochures at GreenWave and using upcoming workshops and lecture events to educate residents about native plants, reduced fertilizer use and shorebird habitat. Committee members pointed to existing town features (a donated rain garden at the town building and potential points from parks and garden clubs) and agreed the ERC can help assemble needed documentation for community-level certification once enough individual homeowners enroll.

Amy (speaker 8) confirmed the ERC can use the town community center for workshops and said the town budget includes $1,100 for workshops and related supplies. The committee asked volunteers to pursue outreach with local garden clubs and neighborhood groups to increase homeowner participation and reviewed the work needed for certification (promotional materials, educational workshops and tracking points for community qualification).