(WHITE TOWNSHIP, NJ – January 24, 2024) - The Warren County Board of County Commissioners is issuing a challenge to its residents to help Warren County become the first county to be certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation.

Commissioner Director James R. Kern III announced the County’s partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and participation in the Community Wildlife Habitat program at tonight’s meeting of the Commissioners, saying, “The goal of this partnership is to help Warren County become a healthier and more wildlife-friendly community by encouraging our residents to voluntarily create wildlife habitats at sites like yards, schools, businesses, places of worship, community gardens, and parks.”

Kern also introduced the launch of the Commissioners' Conservation Challenge. “The challenge is to make Warren County the first county-wide Community Wildlife Habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation in New Jersey,” he said.

“Warren County is known for its natural beauty, but unfortunately, habitat loss is impacting many species that call this county home. By working together, Warren County can create an environment that helps our local plants and animals thrive. As we look for places on county property to certify, anyone can volunteer to make their space more sustainable for our wildlife; whether it's at home, at work, at your school, or house of worship,” Kern added.

“As an avid outdoorsman, it’s clear to me that a healthy environment is crucial for maintaining the fish and wildlife populations,” Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski said, adding, “Our hunting and fishing areas are important to local sportsmen and to the culture of Warren County.”

Since 1973, The National Wildlife Federation has provided millions of people with the basic guidelines for making their landscapes more hospitable for wildlife. To date, through the Certified Wildlife Habitat program, the National Wildlife Federation has certified more than 250,000 sites. To be certified, a site must provide the four basic elements that all wildlife need to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise young while integrating sustainable gardening and landscaping practices.

Warren County is asking interested residents to help the certification effort to become a National Wildlife Federation Community by certifying their own properties or communal spaces at https://nwf.org/Certify and to join the County’s education and outreach efforts to learn about how residents can create a healthier and more wildlife-friendly community. By turning your yard, balcony container garden, schoolyard, worship landscape, work landscape, or roadside greenspace into a Certified Wildlife Habitat, anyone can make a positive difference for our local wildlife.

“The folks at the National Wildlife Federation and NJ Audubon have been wonderful to work with and the passion they have for wildlife shows,” said Clairanne Arcaro, a member of the county Environmental Advisory Committee who chairs the Allamuchy Green Team. “In Allamuchy, we have been working with both the elementary school students and senior citizens to provide a great learning experience, help protect our wildlife, and have fun,” she said.

On Monday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m., Warren County Park Naturalist Jennifer Correa-Kruegel and the Washington Boro Green Team will be hosting a “Gardening for Wildlife” presentation at the Washington Public Library, 20 Carlton Ave., Washington. The free event is a great presentation for those interested in learning simple tips and getting free resources for starting their own wildlife garden.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for more information about upcoming events and make sure to visit Hope on April 27 for their annual Green Fair.

To certify your green space as a Certified Wildlife Habitat visit: https://nwf.org/Certify

For more information about the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat network, please visit www.nwf.org/community.

For more National Wildlife Federation news, visit www.nwf.org/news.