The National Wildlife Federation, America's largest wildlife conservation and education organization, designated Salem United Church of Christ in downtown Farmington as a Certified Sacred Native Habitat through its Sacred Grounds Program on September 26th, 2021.
Churches who dedicate a portion of their land to support sustainable native habitats by planting native plants, providing water, and cover for birds, bees, insects and small animals join a growing number of churches who are dedicated to environmental stewardship and are taking steps to mitigate climate change.
Over the past year Salem has replanted the traditional perennial gardens with a variety of native plants, creating a woodland garden, a pollinator garden and replacing the traditional landscape in front of the building to be a prairie garden. It takes a few years for the plants to reach their full maturity, but while we wait, the roots will grow strong, and the soil will be replenished. Many of our plants have already bloomed and we’ve already noticed an increase in birds, bees, insects and butterflies!
On May 28, 2022, Salem will host a native plant sale. We will have a variety of plants and people who can help you choose what plants will work best for your garden. It’s a wonderful way to help our environment and join a growing number of individuals and groups becoming certified wildlife habitats.
To learn more about the National Wildlife Federation programs visit nwf.org.