STONE HARBOR –– “Let me tell you about the birds, and the bees, and the flowers, and the trees…”
Like Jewel Aken’s 1965 hit record “The Birds and The Bees,” the Stone Harbor Garden Club is spreading the news about how to create and maintain native backyard habitats through its Safe Harbor Program.
Local wildlife enthusiasts are changing the world from their back-yards by preserving native plants, shrubs and trees through the program, jointly sponsored by the borough’s Realty Owners Association (ROA.)
Lee and Jeff Alderton, Vicki and Robert Bartke and Josephine Huber were awarded custom decorative tiles, made by Rowehouse Tile in Court House, to recognize their efforts to maintain native habitats for birds, butterflies and pollinators.
The Bartkes said their garden has about 25 different types of native trees, shrubs, birdbaths and birdhouses to attract a variety of wildlife year-round, which they can enjoy in the shade.
Nancy Cope, chair of the Safe Harbor Program, said the idea is for the garden club to give incentives for residents to restore native plants and habitats in their back-yards. ROA has financed the awards and printing materials.
“We tried to get as much information to as many people as we could about how to make their gardens more welcoming and bird and butterfly friendly,” Cope said.
Interested residents were provided free informative brochures about how to plant and preserve native trees, shrubs and plants.
All those who submitted an application received a certificate of participation and a native perennial from the Cape May Nature Center.
John Stoner and Elaine Heil, expert gardeners and objective club members, served as judges for the contest.
Winners were chosen based on what their habitat space supports, how many native plants serve as food sources, type and number of feeders, shelter and water sources and plantings. Water and soil conservation as well as protection of species are also taken into consideration.
The Garden Club also provides information on how to make changes to compensate for a lot that has been cleared for demolition so the ecology of a backyard habitat is not negatively affected by a neighboring property.
The mission of the program is “to preserve the native biodiversity of our area for the benefit of native and migrating birds, butterflies and other wildlife and to recognize and award those whose garden exemplifies this goal.”
Cope said next year the club plans to base awards on categories to ensure all types of gar-dens, those in small yards tended by those who are not retired, can be awarded for their wildlife-friendly efforts. The contest is open to all Stone Harbor residents.
Unlike Jewel Aken’s 1965 hit song “The Birds and The Bees,” Cope hopes the Safe Harbor Program isn’t a one-hit wonder.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck @cmcherald.com.
