Forest Acres pond certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Contributed by the South Carolina
Wildlife Federation and
Dr. Robert Weyeneth

Dr. Bob Weyeneth enjoys his view of Spring Branch Pond. Photo by Mimi M. Maddock

The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has certified the backyard of Dr. Robert Weyeneth and 13 other homeowners. The property, Spring Branch Pond, is located in Forest Acres and is now an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site. The pond is owned and maintained by the 14 homeowners surrounding it. This area and the Upper Pond which was called Lakewood was developed by Sherman F. Smith in the late '40s.

The pond attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife while helping to protect the local environment. Weyeneth, president of the Spring Branch Pond Association and co-director of the Public History Program at USC, applied for the certification.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) began the Backyard Wildlife Habitat certification program in 1973 and has since certified over 65,000 habitats nationwide.

South Carolina currently has more certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats per capita than any other state, with over 3,800 certified. The majority of these sites represent the hard work and commitment of individuals and families providing habitat around their homes. NWF has also certified more than 2,400 schools and hundreds of business and community sites.

Certified habitats can be found everywhere from post offices, hospitals and places of worship to community parks, corporate buildings, and municipal facilities.

Any habitat enthusiast can create a certified habitat and learn the rewards of gardening for wildlife. Locally, the SCWF teaches the importance of environmental stewardship by providing guidelines for making landscapes more hospitable for wildlife. Habitat restoration is critical in urban and suburban settings where commercial and residential development encroaches on natural wildlife areas. In addition to providing for wildlife, certified habitats conserve natural resources by reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation water. This ultimately protects the air, soil, and water throughout communities.

Participants who achieve certification receive membership in the National Wildlife Federation and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. They also receive a personalized certificate, quarterly newsletters, the SCWF membership newspaper, Out of Doors , and are eligible to post NWF's special outdoor sign designating their yard or garden as wildlife-friendly.

Habitats produce financial rewards for homeowners and for industries as well. The SCWF has developed a habitat program specifically for industries. The Wildlife And Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) program encourages industries to protect, enhance, and create wildlife habitat on their sites.

One of the first steps that most industries implement is the creation of meadows by discontinuing mowing on their properties. Tens of thousands of dollars can be saved annually by just this one practice. Currently there are 33 WAIT sites in South Carolina.

To learn more, call (803) 256-0670 or visit www.scwf.org.

Promoting Wildlife Habitat Enhancement and Natural Resources Conservation is located at 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 101, Columbia, SC, 803-256-0670, FAX 803-256-0690, www.scwf.org .