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SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2018
Certify your own habitat BY KELLIE LAGOY STAFF WRITER
Susan and Biff Andrews are committed to preserving wildlife and the climate, and they have the opportunity to do this in their own backyard. A sign sits in their driveway that lets everyone know that the Andrewses’ yard is a certified wildlife habitat, and it was certified by the National Wildlife Federation. The two got their start in conservation by reading an article about the Virginia Master Naturalists in the Suffolk NewsHerald. They joined the group, and they have continued to learn ever since. “We saw Geoff Payne in the newspaper talking about becoming Master Naturalists, and we thought that sounded like us,” Susan Andrews said. “A lot of the people come from science backgrounds, but really anyone can do it.” After some time with the
group, they attended an event about having a backyard habitat, and for the last 16 years, the duo has been learning how to make their yard better than before. Their backyard includes wooden steps, that they put in themselves, leading down to the lake. All along the way, they have leaf bins and plants native to the area. They have put in a pollinator garden and also are working on a bog. “We do things as we learn them,” Susan said. “It really is lifelong learning. Everywhere you look, there is something of interest.” While there are many moving pieces that make up their backyard habitat, the best advice the Andrewses have for others looking to improve their yard is to “go native.” “This is because non-native plants cannot host animals,” Biff Andrews said. “And nurseries are starting to understand See HABITAT, 2B
Did you know?
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Organizational professionals for This Old House estimate that only 30 percent of people store their vehicles in a garage, while the RAC Foundation found that 53 percent of households had access to a garage, but only 24 percent used them to park their vehicles. The reason why cars and trucks are relegated to sitting in driveways or at the curb is simple: too much stuff and, in some instances,
larger vehicles that simply do not fit. Taking inventory of the items stored in the garage can help free up space to park cars. This can prolong the life of the vehicle’s paint and make it more comfortable to enter and exit the vehicle during inclement weather. Homeowners who want to make more effective use of their garages can give thought to their current usage, ultimately deciding if
KELLIE LAGOY/SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
Susan and Biff Andrews have certified their yard as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.
certain items can be stored elsewhere or discarded. Homeowners can also set aside a weekend to tackle garage organization — involving the children and other family members to make the sorting and cleaning easier. Donate or sell unwanted items as soon as possible. Recycle items that can be reused or repurposed and then consider contacting a bulk hauler to remove the trash.
Suggestions when shopping for fencing Fences can improve functionality of a yard and provide extra security and privacy. Some fences are decorative while others are functional. Families with children or companion animals also may find fencing a necessity to keep everyone safe and corralled. With a vast array of fencing materials available, homeowners may find it challenging to decide what material is right for their properties. The following breakdown can help homeowners learn more about fencing and potentially point them in the right direction regarding
what material to choose for their properties.
Budget
Budget is one of the first considerations many homeowners have when installing fencing. Pricing will affect whether one can afford a chain link fence (one of the most budget-friendly options), wrought iron or ornate wood (more expensive). Pricing out several different types of fences will give homeowners an idea of which material fits into their budgets. See FENCING, 3B