North Jersey has long been something of a desert for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

The reasons are many --  beginning with Americans' obsession with manicured lawns and the herbicides and pesticides that they often entail.

Bucking that trend locally has been the Bergen County Audubon Society and their efforts to encourage residents, businesses and places of worship to plant wildlife gardens.  (I's a

The BCAS recently reached a milestone -- they have nurtured 100 certified wildlife gardens, including the yard of the Wright-Finn house (Thanks to my wife, Patty!)

Don Torino's blog post about their efforts is here. Congrats, BCAS.