The Riverfront Garden at Heron Point of Chestertown has proudly been certified as a Certified Wildlife Habitat® by the National Wildlife Federation, the nation's leading wildlife conservation and education organization. This honor complements the entire Heron Point campus's Certified Wildlife Habitat® status, awarded in 2022.
This natural half-acre area along the Chester River has been a labor of love for Heron Point residents since 2021. Their dedication has transformed it into a thriving, environmentally sustainable native garden that supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bees, and frogs.
The National Wildlife Federation praised the Riverfront Garden for its provision of natural food sources, water, cover, and nesting places for wildlife. The garden's sustainable maintenance practices include using native plants, conserving water, and avoiding pesticides.
Learn more on how gardening can provide health, mental and emotional benefits for seniors!
Additionally, in 2022, the Riverfront Garden earned a Bay-Wise® certification from the University of Maryland Extension for its sustainable landscaping practices, which contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The garden scored an impressive 59 points, far exceeding the 36 points required for certification.
“We began renovating this riverfront area in 2021 by increasing the number and variety of native flowering plants, shrubs, and small trees,” said Connie Schroth, Master Gardener, Heron Point resident, and chair of the Riverfront Garden Interest Group. “Over the past year, we have expanded the range of flowering plants to attract pollinators, including little bluestem, liatris, anemone, monarda, cardinal flower, milkweed, vervain, verbena, ferns, lupine, poppies, black-eyed Susans, irises, daffodils, and more."
“Our garden is now a haven for a multitude of butterflies and bees, as well as rabbits, deer, snakes, foxes, birds, and turtles,” she added.
Heron Point leaders are highly supportive of these resident-led initiatives. “They have significantly aided our efforts,” Schroth said. “They upgraded the garden’s irrigation system for use in the early morning hours as needed. The garden is mulched with about two inches of coverage, using mulch and leaves collected from our lawns. And they have entrusted us with making decisions about plant types, placements, and care.”
“Heron Point is a vibrant community where residents, team members, and visitors come together to enjoy and appreciate beautifully cared-for gardens year-round," said Jessica Hall, Executive Director of Heron Point. "The natural and native riverfront garden showcases the passion and dedication our residents have for creating a lively and inviting community space. It’s an honor to lead a community that enhances residents' well-being through resident-driven activities like gardening.”
Heron Point of Chestertown is affiliated with Acts Retirement-Life Communities, a not-for-profit organization and one of the nation's largest providers of continuing-care retirement communities. Residents thrive in our active retirement community and its beautiful 66 acres with scenic views of the Chestertown Bay. There's so much to love at Heron Point! Schedule your tour today.