Backyard Habitats From an Exceptional Mind

Photo by Carla Linster

Catawba River Women, by Carla Linster – March 16, 2012

Craig Wyant will be the guest speaker at the Catawba River Women’s Group luncheon on March 22. He plans to talk about “Backyard Habitat and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation Certification”.

I asked for Craig’s biography to write this blog, and this is what I received:

Craig R. Wyant RLA/SWS

Craig R. Wyant is a Landscape Architect and environmental consultant licensed in NC, SC, and VA. He has practiced for more than 25 years in 19 states, Canada, and Mexico on projects as large as 14,000 acres.

Craig Wyant

With degrees in Horticulture/Soils Science, Landscape Architecture, and graduate coursework in Wetlands Ecology, he approaches the process of land development for a wide range of uses with a sustainable solution in mind. Mr. Wyant is presently the owner of three businesses in Lincolnton and has been the past vice-president of a Charlotte environmental consulting firm and native plant nursery.

His recent volunteer services have included Mountain Island Lake Marine Commission, Catawba River District, Catawba Lands Conservancy, Carolina Thread Trail, Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, NC Wildlife Federation State Advisory Board for Wildlife and Industry Together (W.A.I.T.) Program, NCWF Backyard Habitat Steward Trainer, NC Sedimentation Control Commission TAC, Catawba Riverkeeper Muddy Water Watch Program, and Judge for the International Science and Engineering Fair. Mr. Wyant is the owner of a five-acre Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat in Lincoln County.

Craig's message: You can, too

To say this man is accomplished is an understatement; I would say that he is fast becoming an institution. Mr. Wyant will be speaking at the Thursday March 22 luncheon of the Catawba River Women’s Group on the importance of a backyard habitat, why you would want one and why you would want to be certified. 

North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) has the most comprehensive habitat enhancement certification programs in the country. NCWF uses four components necessary for wildlife: food, water, cover, and places to raise young as the criteria for certification. NCWF offers certifications to Workplaces (Wildlife and Industry Together/WAIT), places of Worship (Fellowship Action Impacting the Habitat/FAITH), an Island Adoption program and, for North Carolina property owners, a joint certification with the National Wildlife Foundation. 

To learn more about how to create a backyard habitat at your workplace, place of worship or home, come to the March 22 luncheon. You also can visit the NC Wildlife Federation website.

Make plans to hear Craig

Want to see Craig R. Wyant speak? The March 22 luncheon will be 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pine Island Country Club, 1701 Stoneyridge Drive (Just off of Mount Holly Road near I-485). Cost is $30 for visitors. Contact Catawba River Women’s Group on Facebook or EMAIL the group to learn more and make reservations.

About Carla Linster – Carla, 47, is enjoying a “mid-life spring” after overcoming several medical problems. One new joy is working with “an amazing group of women,” the Catawba River Women’s Group, as they seek to create a sense of unity among communities along the Catawba River.