'Intro To Native Plant Gardening' March 3 In Eatontown

EATONTOWN, NJ — Abuzz for Wildlife in Eatontown, a joint initiative of the Eatontown Green Team and Environmental Commission, is hosting an open house on Sunday, March 3 from 2-4 p.m. at the Eatontown Community Center, 72 Broad Street.

Guest speaker Jason Goldman, a Monmouth County Park naturalist, will present “Intro to Native Plant Gardening.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Many may not know this, but the borough of Eatontown has taken steps to become a certified Community Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization. Mayor Anthony Talerico, Jr. called the program an initiative that will “offer residents a simple, yet effective, way to contribute to the respect for cohabitation of people and wildlife.”

Eatontown has been awarded points toward certification through education, outreach and certification of public and private properties in town.

“Everyone can restore wildlife habitats right in their own yards and communities,” said Chair Laura Bagwell. "Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat garden is fun, easy and makes a real difference. If you want to see more fireflies and moths at night, fuzzy bees, butterflies and birds, Jason will show us how to create a lovely landscape that will sustain these creatures and help them thrive."

Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.

"We will show apartment dwellers how to certify by adding potted native plants and a water source. It is a rewarding way to participate and view beautiful birds and butterflies close up,” said AWE member Sara Breslow.

For more information, contact AWE at [email protected].