Charles City landfill recognized for wildlife habitat program

Waste Management’s Charles City County Landfill was honored at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s 26th Annual Symposium for its achievements in protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat.

The facility earned recertification of its Wildlife at Work program, which was designed by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) to provide a structure for cooperative efforts between management, employees and community members to create, conserve and restore wildlife habitats

The local effort is part of a national Waste Management program that protects animal and plant species on more than 26,000 acres across North America, representing an important contribution to the company’s goal of 100 certifications by 2020.

“The 42 Waste Management wildlife programs being certified and recertified by the Wildlife Habitat Council this year set the pace for the corporate conservation community,” said Margaret O’Gorman, president of the Wildlife Habitat Council. “Waste Management’s leadership in this field is underscored by the fact that they have more than 100 programs certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council, meeting a goal established at the highest levels within the company and achieved by a broad coalition of employees and community volunteers.”

The wildlife team at Waste Management’s Charles City Landfill manages 500 acres of the 1,000-acre property for wildlife. The team’s mission is to provide wildlife habitat enhancement for wildlife diversity and educational and recreational opportunities for the community. In addition to the municipal solid waste landfill and landfill gas-to-energy plant, the site’s habitats include open field, woodland, a stream and six ponds. Employees monitor the facility for wildlife and contacts the team when species are located on-site. The Wildlife at Work program first achieved certification in 2010.

The wildlife team started an artificial nest box program for cavity-nesting birds in 2009. The group installed duck nest boxes provided by Ducks Unlimited around two ponds dedicated to wood duck habitat and added predator guards to increase the success of the boxes. Employees monitor the nest boxes monthly and have observed a screech owl using one of the boxes.

“Waste Management began working with WHC because our employees understand that biodiversity and preservation of wildlife are important to the environment and sustainability,” said Waste Management President and CEO David Steiner. “Beyond helping to provide quality habitat for plants and animals, we believe these efforts are helping to create a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Waste Management has been working with WHC since 2000. In 2008, the company was the first recipient of the organization’s William W. Howard CEO Award, recognizing the company’s efforts in conservation, education and outreach efforts.

To read more about the Charles City County Landfill’s program, please visit http://www.wm.com/wm/community/whc/index.asp.