Making the Suburbs Wildlife Friendly

When Malcolm Barnard starting researching a project to work on when he was an eighth-grader at , little did he know the impact his work would have some two years later.

Now in the 10th grade at , Malcolm is continuing his goal of attaining Community Wildlife Habitat certification for the city of Johns Creek through the National Wildlife Federation.

With the help of his Wildlife Team, comprised of community volunteers, and with guidance from his website, Malcolm has encouraged hundreds of residents to get their back yards certified. The Atlanta suburb is currently just a few yards away from becoming the 55th city in the United States to obtain wildlife habitat status. 

"This is our community," Malcolm says. "The beauty of our environment is what brings people to this area, and we need to preserve it."

Malcolm's work has reached beyond back yards, though. He and his team also worked to get the city's community garden at certified, as well as its greenway. Naturally, the teenager has also set his sights on Johns Creek's schools.

"Thirty-five percent of the population of Johns Creek is under the age of 19," Malcolm says. He thinks schools are great places to certify as that action will continue to educate future generations. Nine of the city's 15 schools are certified, and Malcolm hopes that a grant he recently won will help in his mission to make all of the schools wildlife habitats.

The first-ever youth finalist for the Cox Conserves Heroes Award, Malcolm was nominated by Johns Creek City Council member Karen Richardson. He received $1,250 to aid in his work. With the help of those funds as well as grants from , Malcolm has reached out to the schools to help them gain certification, maintain wildlife areas and create outdoor classrooms.  

Jerry Hightower, a National Park Ranger at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Johns Creek, has partnered with Malcolm on his wildlife projects and initially encouraged the teenager to volunteer in the community. He says that Malcolm "is a true up-and-coming young leader who sincerely wishes to make a positive difference with his talents and very hard work." 

For more information on how to get your yard certified, project background, and local environmental workshops, visit Malcolm's website at www.johnscreekwildlifehabitat.org.