Kings Bay is proud to be a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. Due to rapid and large-scale changes to our lands and waters, means wildlife is losing the habitats they once knew. Every habitat garden is a step toward replenishing resources for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians-both locally and along migratory corridors. Kings Bay had to prove it was a Certified Wildlife Habitat by ensuring it met 5 different criteria: Food, Water, Cover, Places to Raise Young & Sustainable Practices.
Food: Plants provide basic foods for wildlife. Remember that some creatures will become food for others in a balanced habitat. We encourage a natural diversity of wildlife in our parks to ensure a healthy ecosystem. Kings Bay naturally provides plant foods such as seeds, nectar, berries, nuts, sap, pollen, and foliage/twigs.
Water Source: Wildlife needs a clean water source for drinking and bathing. Kings Bay is home to Lake D Park, Etowah Park, which is surrounded by inner-coastal waters, and other smaller lakes around the base habituating birds, alligators, a wide range of fish, turtles, and other small creatures.
Cover: Wildlife need shelter from bad weather and hiding places – for both predators and prey. Throughout Kings Bay, you will find plenty of wooded areas, ground cover, dense shrubs, and meadows/prairies that provide plenty of cover for wildlife.
Places to Raise Young: In order to provide a complete habitat, there must be places for wildlife to engage in courtship behavior and to mate and raise their young. Kings Bay provides plenty of meadows and prairies, dead trees and snags, dense shrubs, mature trees, and wetlands for turtles, deer, birds, and other creatures to raise their young.
Sustainable Practices: Managing the landscape and gardens can have an effect on the health of the soil, air, water, and habitat for wildlife- as well as people. Some practices are more environmentally-friendly and sustainable. Kings Bay uses mulch and ground cover to retain soil moisture and limit erosion, practices integrated pest management, uses native plants, and eliminates chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
