High Acres Nature Area (HANA) Wildlife Habitat Council Recertification

What was the Challenge?

The Wildlife Habitat Council’s certification program assists private corporations in going above and beyond for conservation. The High Acres Nature Area (HANA) is a 250-acre area focused on conservation, community trails, and outdoor education. It hosts educational partnerships with local universities ranging from migration studies, to wetland ecology, to PFAS management. WM’s Wildlife Habitat Council Program at the HANA was due for renewal in 2021.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

B&L assisted WM and Rochester Institute of Technology students in the collection and compilation of field data and formal program submission to support the conservation efforts and academic research accomplished at the HANA. This program looked at advancing projects at the HANA that focused on avian diversity, wetland ecological research, pollinators, and also improved on-site habitats targeting wetlands and woodlands.

Why was the project a success?

The HANA program was Certified Gold by the Wildlife Habitat Council for the second period in a row. It is a marker of excellence and speaks to the HANA’s history of supporting environmental stewardship and education through collaboration and community engagement.