Two Eagles Lodge, a waterfront b’nb/vacation rental in Union Bay, has received certification by the Canadian Wildlife Federation through its Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Certification is valid for five years.
Two Eagles is one of 74 properties in B.C. and 939 in Canada to be certified by CWF for proactive efforts to create ‘backyard habitat’ as of Feb. 11.
The program recognizes efforts to meet habitat needs of wildlife. It encourages Canadians to take action on behalf of wildlife by creating habitat that is pesticide-free, and meets the four needs of wildlife: food, water, shelter and space.
When Carolyn and Steve Touhey built Two Eagles in 2006, they worked with contractors to maintain areas on their 12-acre property that would be wildlife friendly. They kept heavily-treed areas, select stumps and seasonal streams that run through the property.
They also added features such as a large pond and fruit trees, and gardens with feeders, shrubs and perennials that attract birds and butterflies. There are two resident eagles just off the property line that grab sticks and branches from trees at Two Eagles to fortress their nest. Each year, they also hang more than 40 flowering baskets around the porches to help with pollen. Raising honey bees is on the agenda for the coming year.
“We love nature and wildlife, so doing our little bit on our own property to help wild creatures live safely, while also creating a setting that is appealing to our guests, just makes sense,” Carolyn said. “To receive recognition from such a respected organization for that effort is really cool and very rewarding.
“Our feeders consistently attract more than 20 hummingbirds,” she added. “They’re so crazy at sunset, we even posted their ‘Feeding Frenzy’ on the YouTube channel for Two Eagles Lodge. Our guests are often amazed by them, they sit by the feeders and snap, snap, snap—hoping to get the perfect photo.”
