The National Wildlife Federation announced recently that the Harmony Hill Vineyards in Bethel has been certified as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site.
Vineyard and property owners Bill and Patti Skvarla moved from Pittsburgh to Bethel in 1994. At that time, they had 15 acres but quickly expanded the property to encompass the 70 acres which now attract the diverse and abundant wildlife that live and nest on the property today.
“Each year, the National Wildlife Federation sponsors a limited number of certifications,” said Bill Skvarla. “We submitted an application to them last year for certification. We sent them photos and supporting materials and they responded favorably. We are so very excited about this.”
The property, which is located at 2534 Swings Corner Pt. Isabel Road in Bethel, attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, rabbits, squirrels, quails, turkeys, ducks, deer, frogs, snakes, possums, foxes, and other wildlife while helping protect the local environment.
NWF began the Backyard Wildlife Habitat program in 1973 as a way to recognize and reward individuals and families who provide wildlife habitats around their homes and has since certified more than 58,000 habitats nationwide.
On the site is a nesting ground for the Purple Martin, the largest of the North American swallows. This bluish-black bird has a large head, a thick chest, broad, pointed wings, and like to nest in backyard birdhouses.
“We have one of the few registered Purple Martin colonies in Southwestern Ohio,” said Bill Skvarla. “Every year, over 120 babies are born in our nesting boxes. They are nurtured throughout the summer and then the families flock to Rio, Brazil in the Fall. They return every Spring.”
David Mizejewski, manager of NWF’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, said that Harmony Hill shows how just one family can make a difference.
“It is easy to feel that there is no hope for wildlife in our modern world of smog, traffic, and asphalt,” he said. “But there is hope. Each of us can make our own piece of Earth a healthy, green-space that helps restore the ecological balance. One need look no further than Harmony Hill to realize that.”
According to Mizejewski, the program teaches the importance of environmental stewardship by providing guidelines for making landscapes more hospitable to wildlife.
Habitat restoration and preservation is crucial in urban and suburban settings where commercial and residential development encroaches on natural wildlife areas.
“This Backyard Wildlife Habitat certification honor brings bragging rights and personal satisfaction,” said Skvarla. “We are both concerned about the environment and this is our small way to ensure that our small piece of it it is preserved in its natural state.”
The vineyard and grounds are open to the public every Saturday. One can tour the grounds, visit the vineyard and the winery, view many flower gardens, or walk through the numerous miles of woodland trails.
“We encourage everyone to visit this beautiful property,” said Patti Skvarla. “It warms our hearts to know that people are enjoying themselves. Our reward is the pleasure that our property can provide.”
Article Comment Submission Form
Copyright 2006, The Sun Group • 465 East Main Street • Batavia, Ohio 45103
Phone 513-732-2511 • FAX 513-732-6344 • E-mail clermontsun@fuse.net
