City officials say South Florida’s ecosystem depends on native plants and healthy habitat to support birds, butterflies and pollinators. Residents can certify a yard, balcony, school garden or business landscape through an online application with the National Wildlife Federation. Once certified, the property is automatically added to Boca Raton’s list of certified habitats. The Children’s Science Explorium and the Spanish River Library are already certified and open to the public for inspiration.
To earn the city-wide certification, Boca Raton must meet two benchmarks set by the National Wildlife Federation. Residents, businesses, schools, parks and community groups need to build a network of certified habitats across the city, and the city must keep offering educational programs, volunteer opportunities and native plant events. Officials say those requirements have to be maintained every year to keep the certification active.
The city’s next native plant giveaway is scheduled for Friday, August 28, starting at 5 p.m. at Wildflower Park, 551 East Palmetto Park Road. Free native plants and wildflower seeds will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one plant per household, to Boca Raton residents only. Schools, neighborhoods and homeowners associations interested in getting involved can contact the city’s Office of Sustainability for assistance. Learn more here…