Certified Wildlife Habitats

Eckerd College actively incorporates wildlife conservation into everyday operations and overall campus maintenance and appearance. In March 2023, Eckerd College received certification from the National Wildlife Federation for nine wildlife habitats throughout campus. These habitats provide homes for animals and insects of all kinds from the monarch butterfly to the brown pelican to the Eastern cottontail. Each Certified Wildlife Habitat is different, and by having multiple types of habitats, more species are able to thrive and coexist. This strengthening of native populations has enabled Eckerd College to see animal populations come back to St. Petersburg like the great horned owl.

Native Plant Definition and Benefits

Evolved locally: plants that have adapted for thousands of years to local climate, soil, and wildlife
Support wildlife: provide shelter and food for local wildlife like birds, butterflies, bees, and other animals
Promote healthy ecosystems: maintain biodiversity and ecological balance
Prevent erosion: native plants with deep roots hold the soil in place and improve water infiltration during heavy rains reducing flooding
Less water: native plants are adapted to local rainfall patterns reducing the amount of irrigation needed
Less fertilizer: native plants do not need fertilizer, maintaining healthy soil and water quality