On July 30th at 7 p.m., the Bowie Gardens for Wildlife (BG4W) Habitat Team and the Bowie Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) will host a "Habitat 101 Workshop and Tour" at Bowie City Hall. Information will be provided about the four elements of habitat (food, water, cover, and places to raise young), sustainable gardening practices, and how property owners can certify their backyards through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Also, there will be a tour of the new rain garden/Monarch Waystation next to City Hall. Call 301-809-3044 if you need more information.

This free workshop is part of a larger effort by Bowie to become an NWF certified Community Wildlife Habitat. To achieve this goal, Bowie must meet education and certification goal targets based on our population size including minimum numbers of certified homes, schools, and community sites, such as places of worship or homeowner association properties. Bowie has reached two-thirds of the certification points needed for the community goal. However, more homes, schools, and community habitats are needed for Bowie to join 75 other certified communities across the United States—including Annapolis, Centreville, and Takoma Park.