Sign proclaiming the garden at the Los Alamos Co+op Market an official Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site. Courtesy/ LACM

CO+OP News:

The National Wildlife Federation® (NWF) has recognized that the Los Alamos Co+op Market has successfully created an official Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site.

NWF celebrates the effort to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife by providing essential elements needed by all wildlife – natural food sources, clean water, cover, and places to raise young.

 “Providing a home for wildlife in our communities – whether it’s at home, or in schools businesses or parks – is the demonstration of a healthy and active eco-system. There is no more rewarding way to stay connected to nature right outside your door,” said David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. “The Co+op cares about how people and planet interact, so becoming certified as a wildlife habitat is a big step for us.  Our goal is to sustainably increase the diversity of plants and animals right outside our door.  We also hope that customers who drop by will enjoy the peaceful environment that we have constructed,” said Elizabeth Turner of the Outreach Department.”

NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program has been helping people take personal action on behalf of wildlife for more than 40 years. The program engages homeowners, businesses, schools, churches, parks, and other institutions that want to make their communities wildlife friendly.

This new certified habitat joins NWF’s roll of more than 150,000 certified habitats nationwide. Wildlife habitats are important to year-round wildlife residents as well as species that migrate, such as some birds and butterflies. Each habitat is unique for both beauty and function.

The Los Alamos Co+op Market’s habitat maintains and attracts a wide range of wildlife. At the beginning of the summer, vegetables and various flowers were planted specifically to match the area’s hardiness zone. Verbena, beebalm, and desert marigold are just a few examples of plants that thrive in desert climates with limited sources of water. 

The Co+op’s conscientiousness further extended to its use of xeriscaping, organic compost soil, and neem oil solutions, which naturally kill aphids. A birdbath and roosting box have been mounted on the property as well. Thanks to curious birds, butterflies, and bees, the garden bursts with color and vitality. There is never a dull moment in the hoop house and its surrounding environment.

For more information on gardening for wildlife and details on how an entire community can become certified, visit www.nwf.org/habitat or call 1.800-822.9919.