Wildlife & Gardens

Eco Friendly Community

Two popular practices make for a more eco friendly community.  Pollination and composting. 

Pollination is responsible for 80% of production of flowers and plant based foods.  The bee population is greatly decreasing.  Less than 50% of bees can sting, only the females have stingers.  You are usually safe watching bees work their magic from flower to flower, just don't provoke them and avoid their nests.  Honeybees can get protective when you are within 20' of their hive. 

The Town is collaborating with the Bel Air Five Campaign in encouraging communities to create friendly pollination gardens.  Act now and be prepared for Pollinator Garden Month in June 2022.  Click here for more details.

Composting helps lower the amount of trash going into our landfills and gives the gardener cheaper, enriched soil for their gardens and flower pots.  To help you with your composting project, click here.  

Certified Wildlife Habitat

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) sponsors a program which allows for homeowners to improve the wildlife environment in their home, yard or neighborhood.  This includes the provision of natural food, water, vegetative cover and nesting opportunities.  The NWF provides resources, examples and tips to create a habitat where wildlife will flourish and become a benefit to the homeowner and community.  If certification is obtained by a Bel Air resident or business owner, the Town will provide recognition on the official Town website and present a small plaque for display.  Please review the information provided below and go to the Certified Wildlife Habitat page (link provided above)  for additional information. 

 

- Creating a Healthy Country Home
- Creating a Healthy Apartment or Townhouse
- Creating a Healthy Neighborhood 
- Creating a Healthy Yard
- Creating a Healthy Schoolyard
    

Rockfield Horticultural Gardens

 
 
The Town, local and surrounding area schools have teamed up to rehabilitate the horticultural gardens at the west end of Rockfield Park in Bel Air.  The gardens exhibit various ecosystems and plant types including a Grass Garden, Shade Garden, Evergreen Garden, Xeriscape Garden, Edible Garden and a Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden.  

A Gazebo Garden serves as a setting for public art by the Harford Master Gardeners and the Lions Club have maintained the Grove for the Senses to add to the gardens developed by the students.    In the coming years,sculpture will be added to the garden to provide public art to Rockfield Park.  It is hoped that sculptures will populate all the gardens to further enhance the visitor’s experience.