Landscape Architect Articles

Inviting Wildlife to Work 06-04-15 | News

Inviting Wildlife to Work

A Menlo Park, Calif., landscape company turned 5,000 square feet of their construction yard into an organic vegetable garden that was awarded a Certified Wildlife Habitat• designation by the National Wildlife Federation.

The National Wildlife Federation® recently recognized Gachina Landscape Management in Menlo Park, California for successfully creating an official Certified Wildlife Habitat• site – The Gachina Farm.

According to sustainable landscape manager Cristina Prevarin, the company converted a 5,000-square-foot area of unused land into an organic vegetable garden with seasonal plants such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, cauliflowers and broccoli, and fruit trees such as peaches and citruses, all of which provide foliage, nectar, pollen, berries, seeds and nuts for a variety of wildlife.

"Birdbaths and extra feeders are strategically positioned to provide an extra water and food source to insects and birds," says Prevarin. "The so-called Farm provides seasonal vegetables and fruit to Gachina employees and our partner JobTrain's culinary class."

She also reports that no chemicals or pesticides are used, and volunteers offer their support by hand weeding, planting new crops, harvesting, applying organic compost or beneficial predators.

For more than 40 years, NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat program has celebrated efforts like those of Gachina Landscape 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.

"I wanted to do my part to help" said John Gachina, president and owner. "Redesigning our construction yard to make it more inviting to wildlife not only gives me something to enjoy but it also represents a teaching tool to our employees and their families."