NCWF launches FAITH program
Initiative aims to foster community wildlife awareness

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) is now offering a program of habitat enhancement in partnership with faith-based groups, it was announced today by Tim Gestwicki, director of the regional office of NCWF. The program, "Fellowship Actions Improving The Habitat" or FAITH, is a non-denominational initiative designed to recognize and certify places of worship that meet certain requirements for a wildlife-friendly habitat.

This program is designed to encourage ongoing stewardship of our wildlife and wild places in urban, suburban, and rural settings, said Gestwicki. "Just think about how many churches and other faith-based groups there are in North Carolina. By reaching out to these church communities, we can spread this message of stewardship, awareness and appreciation of wildlife and our state's resources while helping these groups create beautiful and peaceful habitats."

Gestwicki continued, "Our certification program includes ideas on creating native plant worship gardens, bluebird box trails, nature trails, butterfly gardens, nesting boxes, meditation areas and more." Interested groups should contact Tim Gestwicki in the Charlotte office at 704/332-5696 or by email at ncwf_charlotte@mindspring. com.

Ramah Presbyterian Church in Huntersville, N.C. is the first church to become a FAITH certified site. Said congregation member, Alen Baker, "Ramah Presbyterian Church is blessed with over 50 acres, with much of the property in woods, including a

small creek. With development surrounding us, we have a perfect setting to be good stewards of wildlife. The FAITH program has brought education and support to interested congregation members. It empowers us to do a better job as earthkeepers."

The FAITH program joins other habitat certification programs administered by NCWF: The WAIT (Wildlife and Industry Together) program for the workplace, Schoolyard Habitats, Backyard Habitats for homes, and Island Habitats. More information on these programs can be found on the nonprofit s website, www.ncwf.org.

An affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation works to communicate, cooperate, and partner with the North Carolina General Assembly, state resource agencies, corporations, and other interested groups to advance the wellbeing of wildlife and its habitat. A 501(c)3 organization, the organization is dedicated to being the leading advocate for all of North Carolinas wildlife and habitat. For more information, contact NCWF at (919) 833-1923, (704) 332-5696 or (800) 264-NCWF.