Habitat Hero – July 2018

Patricia & Rod Frederick

Cape Conservation Corps 3^rd quarter Habitat Hero award is being presented to Rod & Patricia Frederick on Hilltop Dr.  They have been in the Cape for over 32 years and during that time they have not used any chemicals in their yard, they mulch with the leaves on the property, use compost for planting and replanting.  They have included multi-wat

er sources throughout their yard to provide for birds and other animals.  When they mow they mow high, leaving the grass at least 2”.  They keep their leaves in the wooded areas or where they lie, creating a beautiful leaf litter in which many

 creatures can over-winter.   They allow the dried stalks from their summer plants to remain standing through the winter to provide another habitat for overwintering insects.  They also provide tasty treats for birds and small animals in the spring. They have a beautiful Baptisia australis blue false indigo growing in the middle of a backyard garden, and lovely stands of Onoclea sensibilis sensitive fern (she even shared one with me!). 

In the spring their yard is alive with colorful blooms throughout, attracting the eye of pass-byers and pollinators alike! Patricia and Rod are not only good stewards of their land but they like to share their plants with friends and family so others may reap the benefits of these life sustaining plants! They have had many creatures visit them over the years – deer, raccoon, opossum, black and gray squirrels, numerous birds, butterflies and other pollinators.

Thank you Patricia and Rod for all you do to be a Habitat Hero!