PHOTOS PROVIDED Pictures show portions of the newly certified schoolyard habitat at Busy Bees Natural Learning Center in Blanchard.

PHOTOS PROVIDED
Pictures show portions of the newly certified schoolyard habitat at Busy Bees Natural Learning Center in Blanchard.

BLANCHARD — National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased to recognize that Busy Bees Natural Learning Center in Blanchard, has successfully created a Certified Schoolyard Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife program. BBNLC has joined with over 11,000 schools nationwide that have transformed their schoolyards into thriving wildlife habitats that provide essential elements all wildlife need: natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young.

The habitat also serves as an outdoor classroom where students can engage in cross-curricular learning in a hands-on way.

“We are excited to have another school join our growing list of more than 11,000 certified Schoolyard Habitats. Students can now personally experience nature, protect wildlife and learn through hands-on experiences in an outdoor environment,” said Liz Soper, Senior Director of K-12 Programs for the National Wildlife Federation.

“Nature has always been at the heart of Busy Bees Natural Learning Center. We created and certified our habitat because we believe children learn best when they can touch, explore, observe and develop a connection with the natural world. Watching children discover a butterfly, care for a garden or simply find joy in the outdoors reminds us that learning doesn’t just happen inside four walls. We are proud to provide a place where children and wildlife can thrive together,” Tonya Fisher added about her program.

Busy Bees Natural Learning Center in Blanchard, has created a nature-based environment that provides food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young. Our habitat includes raised vegetable and flower gardens, pollinator-friendly plants, bird feeders, bird baths and natural areas where butterflies, bees, birds and beneficial insects thrive. Children help plant, water, harvest and care for the gardens while learning about the importance of protecting our environment. The outdoor classroom features natural play spaces, logs, stepping stones, sensory areas and opportunities for hands-on exploration throughout the seasons. By encouraging responsible gardening practices and fostering a love for nature, Busy Bees provides an engaging outdoor learning environment that benefits both children and wildlife, creating lifelong stewards of the natural world.