The Admiral at the Lake Earns National Wildlife Federation Certification

The Admiral at the Lake has earned a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation for the garden located on the first floor of the 31-floor high-rise from the National Wildlife Federation through the Garden for Wildlife program. To earn this designation, a garden must support local wildlife, such as birds, butterflies and bees, by meeting five conditions necessary for wildlife: provide natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young. It also must be maintained in a sustainable way that incorporates native plants, conserves water and doesn’t rely on pesticides.

Three smiling older adults walking in the Admiral garden with dog

The resident-led Garden Committee – the group that submitted the application to certify the garden as a Wildlife Habitat – is active in many aspects of the preservation of the newly certified garden, as well as the community’s other green spaces. While located in the city and in a high-rise building, residents of The Admiral cultivate a feeling of openness by helping to maintain spaces dedicated to nature.

The gardens and green spaces can be used for multiple functions, including recreational and fitness programming in addition to general socialization. Residents engage in these spaces through beekeeping, exercise and meditation, and enjoy these areas as additional outdoor living space where picnics, reunions and events can be hosted. Residents can choose to be among nature on campus as well as right outside The Admiral’s walls where residents enjoy scenic trails along Lake Michigan.

“We applaud the residents for taking the initiative to grow the community’s thriving garden program and for seeking out this National Wildlife Federation designation,” added Nadia Geigler, CEO. “At The Admiral, we’re proud to be home to several different green spaces where community members and their loved ones can gather. Earning this certification is a testament to the quality and beauty of these spaces, as well as to the overall benefit we can gain from nature.”

The Garden for Wildlife movement has recognized over 227,000 Certified Wildlife Habitat gardens across the United States to date, encompassing more than 2.5 million acres that support wildlife locally. Backyards, urban gardens, school grounds, businesses, places of worship, campuses, parks, farms, zoos and community landscapes can all be recognized as wildlife habitats through the program. Every Certified Wildlife Habitat garden also is part of the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, a national effort to create a million gardens that provide habitat for declining pollinator insects such butterflies and bees.

To learn more about The Admiral at the Lake, visit www.admiral.kendal.org or call 773-433-1801.