Local volunteers announce National Wildlife Federation habitat certification, seek village proclamation and signage

Volunteers from a Lake Bluff community group told the Sustainability & Community Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee on Aug. 19 that the village has earned habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation and asked the committee to recommend a village proclamation and display of certification signs.

"As you have probably heard, we got the certification to be a national wildlife Federation, habitat certified community," said Luciana Titanic, a resident and member of the local group, at the meeting. Members said they will ask the village board for a proclamation and that displaying a sign alongside existing Tree City USA and bird-city signs would help publicize the designation.

The group described certification as a points-based program administered by the National Wildlife Federation. Speakers said points are earned for administration, education, demonstration gardens, institutional participation and household certification. "Each home gave us 1 point," a volunteer explained, and schools and public institutions contributed more points under the program’s rubric. Group members reported they achieved more than 150 points from roughly 120 certified entities, including residents, schools and other institutions.

Volunteers said they plan continued outreach at the farmers market and want to partner with the committee on…