Rita Skrocki - Rebel With a Cause
National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ # 31882

Rita Skrocki lives in a neighborhood which she thinks of as "Lawn-of-the-Month" land.
While most of her neighbors have opted for the traditional cookie-cutter yard of mostly grass and a few ornamental plants, Rita has chosen to be the "rebel" by landscaping her yard with wildlife in mind.

"I started with nothing but St. Augustine grass, Brazilian peppers, and melaleuca," Rita explains. "During the past six years, I have replaced those things with many native plants, and I am always adding more even though I only have .21 acres. I especially like plants that attract birds and butterflies and provide food and cover for them."

Like many people who have opted for this more environmentally sound way of landscaping, Rita has become an important role model for her neighbors.

"At first, many people object to a yard that strays from a more traditional look," Rita says "But seeing all the birds and butterflies usually helps to convert them. People have begun to compliment the flowers and ask for advice so that they can create their own butterfly garden."

"The last 2 years I have been rewarded with visits from the rare Painted Buntings," Rita boasts. "I even had a neighbor comment that he had not seen cardinals in this area in yearsbefore I started my wildlife garden."

"If people would be patient with those of us who are committed to using less chemicals and more "valuescape" plants as I call them," Rita says "we could all help keep Brevard beautiful and enjoyable."