Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) understands the importance of our environment and the delicate balance between man and nature. As a result, the College has undertaken an effort to created certified wildlife habitats on all six campuses. On Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m., CPCC’s Harris Campus (3210 CPCC Harris Campus Drive) will dedicate their new certified wildlife habitat.

In Mecklenburg and surrounding counties, an average of 40 acres of land are developed every day. Between 1984 and 2001, Mecklenburg County lost more than 22% of its open space, while impervious surfaces increased by 127%. With that in mind, CPCC has taken the lead in identifying the importance of natural landscaping, balanced ecosystems, and wildlife area restoration that is often overlooked in a growing urban setting. The certified wildlife habitats were designed to be used as outdoor classrooms for year-round study and career prep. They also serve as quiet getaway areas for faculty, staff, and students who want to reconnect with the natural world.

In undertaking this endeavor, CPCC worked with the National Wildlife Federation to secure the Certified National Wildlife Habitat designation for all six campuses. Six grants, each worth $2,000, were approved to allow each campus to develop its own unique habitat. The habitats were developed by CPCC’s Futures Institute staff, teams at each campus, Student Services staff, instructors, campus ecology members, as well as the College’s grounds keeping staff. The wildlife habitats will be maintained, in part, by science and horticulture students at the College, who study areas throughout the season as part of class assignments.

The habitats provide four essential elements to wildlife which include food, water, cover, and a place to raise young. The long-term goal for the habitats is to provide ongoing educational opportunities in sustainable landscape practices using native plants. These low-maintenance areas provide an example of wildlife habitats that can be created anywhere.

“The CPCC habitat certification demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and aids in fostering awareness and appreciation for our valuable natural resources,” states Tim Gestwicki, Deputy Director of Conservation Programs at the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.”CPCC epitomizes everything an urban wildlife habitat certification stands for: wildlife habitat projects, wildlife viewing and learning opportunities, community partnerships, and a commitment to wildlife stewardship.”

“I’m very proud of the work done by our six campuses on this project,” states Ernie McLaney, Program Coordinator for CPCC’s Center for Sustainability. “By establishing and maintaining these certified wildlife habitats, we are demonstrating the fact that any piece of property can become an important and productive ecosystem, creating balance between man and nature. I’m excited about these new wildlife habitats and what they will mean for our College community.”

“In the face of rapid growth, CPCC is committed to conserving our environment and bringing balance,” states Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of CPCC. “The certified wildlife habitats will provide a place for study and observation, rest and relaxation, and preservation. Creating the wildlife habitats shows CPCC’s commitment to enhancement and stewardship of the environment.”

For more information on the wildlife habitats, logon to the website at http://www1.cpcc.edu/cfs/certified-wildlife-habitats.

CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.