A must read: Miami Herald’s "The wildlife is in the backyard". I would suggest a friendly competition / coordination between the sister cities to surpass Broward County in creating more backyard retreats

Take a moment and look at The wildlife is in the backyard,  (Editor's note: The Herald article is no longer available on line - must go to archives) Miami Herald, by Patti Roth, Special to The Miami Herald, Sunday, April 1, 2012.  This is a must read for the home gardener or anyone who wonders how they can improve the appearance and backyard livability of the current home.  The subheading announces that “Broward has more home Certified Wildlife Habitats than any county in the country.” Why Broward and not Miami-Dade County? 

How about a little friendly rivalry between green cities?  We all would win.

April is the month that celebrates Earth Day.  His would be a good month for local green (and Tree City USA cities) communities such as South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay to literally bring the message home – home in either stimulating debate/providing information and/or offering incentive for homeowners to make their own homes a “suburban oasis.”

How about a little friendly competition between the sister cities? 

All in the name of good fun and benefiting local suburban wildlife, our environment, and improving appearance, property values and maybe even bringing down surrounding noise and reducing electric bills for the individual homeowners if the planting is done right. 

More people should work to turn their yards into a suburban oasis. It makes for an outstanding gathering place, extending more pleasant areas to spend time at home and ultimately adds to your resale value.

Palmetto Bay residents featured in the article.

Congrats and thanks to Greta and Brian Mealey of Palmetto Bay who have participated in Palmetto Bay's 2008 Earth Week celebrations, the movie night that featured the movie Hoot. The kids (and adults) enjoyed the message and the fun of that evening.

You can click “Read more” below for photographs I have taken from my own yard of the suburban wildlife.  We have taken the additional step of having our yard listed as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, listed with the National Wildlife Federation.  Follow the link for more information on becoming a Certified Wildlife Habitat as well as the National Wildlife Federation.

 

There is a tree frog hiding at the base of the plant, just to the left of the leaf