The congregations of Sojourners Christian Church and Peace Lutheran Church recently celebrated our status as a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. The certification recognizes a number of practices that protect the wildlife on the 11+acre church property. Practices include protection of native plant life, clean water, food and shelter for animal life, and sustainable practices that help to manage the habitat. A celebration on June 20 provided opportunity to educate attendees on the process for certification, a brief service of dedication, and a game to increase knowledge about three wildlife species on the property.

The certification process was guided by Sojourners' Green Team chairperson, Cyndi Cogbill, who is also a certified naturalist educator. Congregations interested in pursuing certification may find information at www.nwf.org/certifiedwildlifehabitat.

Thanks to Sojourners CC pastor Rev. Dr. Colleen Carroll for this story and photos.