ELLSWORTH – An Ellsworth woman is making a difference through gardening to help protect wildlife. National Wildlife Federation (NWF) celebrates this effort to create a garden that supports birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, and other local wildlife.

Melissa Nelson has successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through NWF's Garden for Wildlife movement. For over 45 years, The Garden for Wildlife movement has recognized over 227,000 Certified Wildlife Habitat gardens across the United States to date.

Nelson said the reason she wanted to create and certify her habitat is because she loves wildlife and wants to help ensure the survival of as many species as possible.

“It's a heartwarming experience every time I walk out my door knowing I created something like this,” Nelson said. “After moving to Ellsworth, I knew I wanted to build a wildlife pond. Frogs, toads, birds, dragonflies, bees and butterflies are a few of my guests to this habitat. I continue to expand by building new housing for birds, planting new flowers and making the pond even better each year.”

Nelson is thankful to live in a wonderful community that has been supportive in her vision.

For more information on NWF's Garden for Wildlife movement and how to qualify to have a garden space recognized, visit www.nwf.org/garden or call 1-800-822-9919.

If you want see Nelson’s garden, it's located at 442 W. Warner St. in Ellsworth, WI. The owner requests that small children be always supervised and do not disturb the wildlife that is currently breeding in the pond or birdhouses. If you are lucky, you may hear the frogs and toads trilling away day and night.

Submitted by NWF