Mat Paulson would like to see butterflies all over Moorhead.
Paulson, a National Wildlife Federation ambassador, is spearheading a program that will teach Moorhead residents about nature preservation in their backyards, all while bringing birds and butterflies back to town.
The Moorhead Community Habitat Program is hosting its first volunteer meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in Atomic Coffee in Moorhead.
A community kick-off celebration is planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 27 at Moorhead Center Mall.
The community wildlife habitat will educate Moorhead residents about conserving water, planting native plants, removing invasive plants and composting.
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The program held a groundbreaking ceremony April 24 in Moorhead's Ridgewood Park, as the first city-owned park to begin the certification process.
The city hopes to transform some of the park's land into a bird and butterfly garden.
Starting the community habitat program is an extension of his love of nature, Paulson said.
"I've always had a love for wildlife," said Paulson, who said he got in his nature-loving start when he was in high school.
As Paulson attracts more volunteers to the group, he hopes more residents will consider turning their own backyards into certified habitats.
To become certified with the national federation, residents must make sure their backyard habitats incorporate food, water, shelter and an environment for the wildlife to raise its young, Paulson said.
In order for the city to become a certified community wildlife habitat, a minimum of 150 homes need to participate in the project.
"The response has been so overwhelming just by word of mouth in the last few months," Paulson said.
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Paulson's parents are in the process of getting certified, as well as several Moorhead City Council members.
Nancy Otto counts herself among that number.
Since she first heard about Paulson's venture, Otto has made it a point to make her backyard more wildlife-friendly.
Bird feeders are positioned in direct view of her dining room window, Otto said.
"You can really attract some beautiful birds," Otto said. "They're just fun to watch."
"It like seems a wonderful hobby to get involved with."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kim Winnegge at (701) 241-5524
