PGAS’s Wildlife Habitat Program
Mission:
To empower, inspire, and educate Prince George’s County residents in their efforts to create and sustain native wildlife habitat by providing them with on-site, no-cost, collaborative visits, led by trained volunteer habitat advisors.
Vision:
To counteract the effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, we envision a substantial contribution to a network of individual and community properties transformed into beneficial wildlife habitat.
What happens before, during and after a Habitat Advisor visit?
BEFORE YOUR VISIT:
We ask that you read these materials:
Top 10 Native Plants For Your Habitat Garden
Birds, Plants, and Garden Structure
Guidelines for Creating Habitat
A Habitat Hundred: Audubon Plants for Prince George's County, MD
DURING YOUR VISIT
These are the guidelines we use for creating habitat:
Plant natives.
Provide structure.
Provide food.
Provide shelter and housing.
Use your water.
Replace herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.
Provide safety and safe haven.
Spread the word.
Here is what you can expect—
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Volunteer Habitat Advisors typically spend an hour visiting your property or neighborhood site. They will walk the property together with you, discussing your particular questions and circumstances.
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They will talk with you about native plants and landscape elements that provide food, water, and shelter for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. They will discuss important topics like garden structure, lawn reduction, invasive plant removal, water conservation, and bird protection. Together with the advisors, you will set priorities and make a plan for moving forward.
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The Habitat Advisors will provide you with a folder of printed materials, write a follow-up report, and make themselves available for further assistance if needed.
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When ready, you can certify online and order an attractive Audubon Bird-Friendly Habitat yard sign at the link below.
AFTER YOUR VISIT
STAY CONNECTED via email to your habitat advisors, and our website, and our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Help us create and nurture a community of birders and wildlife gardeners.
Our Advice on Selecting and Purchasing Natives Plants
The Maryland Native Plant Society has compiled a comprehensive list of local nurseries that sell native plants, and posts upcoming Native Plant Sales.
Earth Sangha in Springfield, VA, and Chesapeake Natives in Upper Marlborough, MD are the two local non-profit nurseries that propagate and sell local ecotypes.
You can also order native plants online, with the caution that these businesses serve a broad geographic range, so you need to make sure that what you are purchasing is native to our area. We recommend: Direct Natives, Izel Native Plants, The Pollen Nation, Prairie Moon
For help with choosing the best candidates, start withLandscaping with Native Plants and Native Plants for Wildlife.