Nature's Havens 2005

Judging has concluded for the Nature's Havens Challenge 2005. Results for the contest will be available soon.

Wildlife in the Lower Mainland require habitat (food, water, shelter, and space) in order to survive. However, wildlife habitat in urban areas is often restricted to isolated parks and green spaces. One way of connecting these areas is to increase the number of "wildlife friendly" yards, gardens, and balconies in the city

Creating Nature's Havens

Every year, we challenge community members to create natural gardens or yards that provide habitat for wildlife while enhancing the surrounding community. It's fun and rewarding to make your yard, garden, or balcony a haven for birds, butterflies and other wildlife by providing them with habitat (food, water, shelter, and space)..

You can enhance the habitat value of your yard, garden, or balcony by:

• Planting native vegetation
• Putting up artificial shelters such as bird boxes and bee boxes
• Reducing your use of pesticides and chemicals
• Enhancing the environmental quality of your yard
• Applying xeriscaping techniques and reduce the amount of water your garden requires

General Contest Information

• The Challenge is open to residents of Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Vancouver.
• All registered participants will receive an information package with tips and suggestions on designing a wildlife garden.
• This will include information on selecting and planting native vegetation and designing theme gardens.

Contact us at the Institute of Urban Ecology for more information on the Nature's Havens Challenge and backyard habitat.