JFB Outdoor Classroom Receives Certification
J.F. Burns Elementary School was recently named an Official Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). The NWF is America’s largest conservation and education organization.
The NWF celebrates the efforts of J.F. Burns’ students and staff for creating 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.
Much credit should be given to Kings Parent and owner of Mother Nature’s Classroom, LLC., Shannon Russell (pictured). It was Russell who helped her students in her after school Ecology Club to complete and submit the application for the certification.
In her submission, Russell credits J.F. Burns’ Outdoor Classroom for providing opportunities for students to have hands-on learning activities that enhance and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.
In addition to the honor of being a Certified Wildlife Habitat, the J.F. Burns Outdoor Classroom is an Official Monarch WayStation, which means that they have created a monarch habitat rich with milkweed, nectar sources, and shelter needed to sustain monarch butterflies as they migrate through North America.
“We are so excited to have another passionate wildlife gardener join us and create a Certified Wildlife Habitat,” said David Mazejewski, naturalist with the Natural Wildlife Federation. “Turning your space into a Certified Wildlife Habitat is fun, easy, and makes a big difference for neighborhood wildlife,” he said.
Congratulations to J.F. Burns and Mrs. Russell for this great honor!