CHESTERTOWN — Heron Point’s riverfront garden has met the criteria of a Certified Wildlife Habitat® as established by the National Wildlife Federation, the nation’s leading wildlife conservation and education organization.
The natural half-acre area along the Chester River has been a labor of love for Heron Point residents since 2021.
Their dedication has transformed it into a thriving, environmentally sustainable native garden that supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bees and frogs.
According to a news release, the National Wildlife Federation cited Heron Point’s riverfront garden for its provision of natural food sources, water, cover and nesting places for wildlife.
The garden’s sustainable maintenance practices include using native plants, conserving water and avoiding pesticides.
Additionally, in 2022, the riverfront garden earned a Bay-Wise® certification from the University of Maryland Extension for its sustainable landscaping practices, which contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
The garden scored 59 points, far exceeding the 36 points required for certification.
Heron Point, an affiliate of Acts, is a Chestertown senior community that hugs the shoreline of the Chester River.
Resident Connie Schroth, a Master Gardener, is chair of the Riverfront Garden Interest Group.
“We began renovating this riverfront area in 2021 by increasing the number and variety of native flowering plants, shrubs, and small trees. Over the past year, we have expanded the range of flowering plants to attract pollinators, including little bluestem, liatris, anemone, monarda, cardinal flower, milkweed, vervain, verbena, ferns, lupine, poppies, black-eyed Susans, irises, daffodils, and more,” Schroth said in the news release.
“Our garden is now a haven for a multitude of butterflies and bees, as well as rabbits, deer, snakes, foxes, birds, and turtles,” she added.
According to Schroth, Heron Point leaders are very supportive of these resident-led initiatives.
They upgraded the garden’s irrigation system for use in the early morning hours as needed. The garden is mulched with about 2 inches of coverage, using mulch and leaves collected from the lawns. And, “they have entrusted us with making decisions about plant types, placements, and care,” Schroth said in the news release.
Executive Director Jessica Hall said, “Heron Point is a vibrant community where residents, team members, and visitors come together to enjoy and appreciate beautifully cared-for gardens year-round. The natural and native riverfront garden showcases the passion and dedication our residents have for creating a lively and inviting community space. It’s an honor to lead a community that enhances residents’ well-being through resident-driven activities like gardening.”
