Calendar of Events

2009

Next events:

1. Free Open Backyard Habitat Tour - July 25, 2009. Locations include 69 Grove Street, in Montclair. Please see below the list that includes other locations.

See backyard habitats in action! Pictures of gardens that will be open will be posted soon in our gallery.

Montclair Backyard Habitat Tour: July 25, 2009, 10am-2pm

All Sites are National Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Habitats

189 Park St., Montclair This beautiful yard was transformed into a backyard habitat in 2006. Notable features include a wide variety of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs, including berry-producing plants. A wooded area once overrun with invasive plants is being restored to a shade garden. Other features include a pond (installed by the owners), a solar powered fountain, a rain barrel and a beehive. Last year’s visitors saw hummingbirds!

Van Vleck Gardens, 21 Van Vleck St, Montclair. Van Vleck Gardens is alwasys worth a visit. Walk down the center drive to see our very special NWF certified Wildlife Habitat Garden. Designed in the shape of a butterfly, it illustrates how even a small space can be wildlife friendly. While you're here, also plan on strolling through the new Tennis Court Garden, just north of the Ed Center. It's a formal garden with gorgeous summer blooms and a center fountain. The perennial flower beds and water feature insure that this is another good site the the grounds for bird and butterfly watching.

129 Lincoln, Montclair (Corner of Lincoln and Maple). Meander on a winding recycled salvaged slate path through a four year old street corner butterfly garden. Underground drip watering system has not been necessary for two years. The organic lawn has had no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers since 1999. It waters and feeds itself with clippings. Huge "dump and go" (do something else fun and interesting) compost heap. Gravel driveway puts all rain and snow melt directly back in the aquifer--no run off into the sewer system. Fruit trees, berry bushes and small organic vegetable garden.

69 Grove St., Montclair (Green house between Claremont Ave.and Grove Terrace). This combination backyard habitat and organic vegetable garden features a wide variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials. The yard, a favorite of goldfinches, cardinals, catbirds, Monarchs, and varieties of swallowtail butterflies, has been developing as a backyard habitat for nine years. Beautiful wildlife-friendly features have been extended to the front yard – even to the “hell strip” between curb and sidewalk. Come see how much can be done even on a relatively small lot.