"The Nature of Mendham" Nears Wildlife Certification, Announces Native Plant Sale and Garden Tour

Community initiative partners with National Wildlife Federation to boost habitat points, hosting a plant sale and garden tour on September 16.

Mendham Township's eco-initiative, "The Nature of Mendham," is nearing its certification goal as a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat. The project aims to make the township more wildlife-friendly by encouraging native gardening and responsible land management. A native plant garden tour and sale event has been planned for September 16 to accelerate progress toward the certification.

"The Nature of Mendham" is a partnership between Mendham Township, Mendham Borough, and the National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat program. The joint endeavor aims to educate residents about the importance of native plants, the reduction of pesticides, and fostering a healthier environment for local wildlife.

The partnership's ultimate goal is to accumulate 175 habitat points required for certification. Each property that gets certified earns one habitat point. Currently, the Mendhams have amassed 85 points from 66 individual properties, 2 schools, and 3 town properties, including the Wysong Park Native Plant Garden.

Plant Sale and Garden Tour

On Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 am to noon, a native plant garden tour and sale will be hosted at 10 Washington Valley Road, Mendham. This location is already certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Toadshade Wildflower Farm will offer a variety of native plants propagated and grown in their Frenchtown, New Jersey nursery.

The initiative brings both Mendham Township and Mendham Borough closer to achieving their joint objective of becoming certified wildlife habitats. A thriving natural ecosystem can be realized by pooling private yards together, offering sanctuaries where pollinators and birds can flourish. The project also serves an educational purpose, empowering residents to make environmentally conscious choices.

The upcoming plant sale and garden tour serve as an educational and practical step toward making Mendham a model for eco-friendly community planning. Residents are encouraged to attend the event to learn more about native plants, certify their properties, and contribute to the region's environmental wellness.

For more information on how to certify your property and contribute to Mendham's habitat points, visit nwf.org/certify.