By Susan Hobart
Lake View Elementary School

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the United States’ largest wildlife conservation and education organization, recently designated Lake View Elementary School and its outdoor classroom as a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife movement. 

The NWF celebrated the school’s effort to create gardens that support birds, butterflies, bees, frogs and other local wildlife. Every Certified Wildlife Habitat provides natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young and is maintained in sustainable ways that incorporate native plants, conserve water and don’t rely on pesticides. With the help of many community groups, families, staff and students, Lake View Elementary School has a dozen habitats that support wildlife.

The NWF has recognized over 217,000 gardens across the country, and Lake View Elementary School is proud to be part of that effort. “Anyone anywhere can restore wildlife habitat right in their own communities,” said NWF Naturalist David Mizejeski.

At Lake View Elementary, the outdoor classroom provides a natural educational habitat for scholars and families to learn about wildlife and the environment. It provides a place for respite and recreation. It encourages children to become stewards of the earth and provides a place in the natural world for many years to come. 

For more information on Lake View’s outdoor classroom, visit lakeview.madison.k12.wi.us or the National Wildlife Federation at nwf.org. To get involved or volunteer, contact Community Schools Resource Coordinator Rachel Deterding at rdeterding@madison.k12.wi.us or 501-3112.