Centerra, the 3,000-acre master-planned community in Loveland, and the High Plains Environmental Center have been designated as Colorado’s first Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Centerra, developed by McWhinney, joins a select group of communities across the country to earn the designation. A Community Wildlife Habitat project creates multiple habitat areas in backyards, schoolyards, corporate properties, community gardens, parkland and other spaces.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this celebration and to be the first community in Colorado to receive this designation because it recognizes our own deep commitment to creating sustainable communities that are environmentally aware,” McWhinney Vice President of Community Development and Centerra General Manager David Crowder said during a celebration of the honor last week.

In 2014, the High Plains Environmental Center applied to register Centerra as a Community Wildlife Habitat. High Plains staff worked for four years to attain the designation, leading various projects focused on wetland restoration, planting and promoting landscaping for pollinators and native plant propagation.

Since 1973, the National Wildlife Federation has provided guidelines for making landscapes more wildlife-friendly. There are more than 200,000 certified habitats nationwide.

“Providing a home for wildlife in our cities — whether it’s in neighborhoods or in schools, businesses or parks — is the demonstration of a healthy and active ecosystem,” National Wildlife Federation Senior Director of Community Wildlife Patrick Fitzgerald said. “There is no more rewarding way to stay connected to nature than to have it right outside your door.”