Assemblyman Bramnick’s Wife Transforms Westfield Yard Into Habitat for Native Species

Patricia Brentano, artist and wife of Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, is turning her backyard in Westfield into a more environmentally friendly space that serves as a natural habitat for native species.

Brentano had natural grasses and native plants put into her yard and fertilizers were banned. Birdhouses and bat boxes were also put up, according to The Associated Press.

Her husband, Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, is completely on board with the project, the article stated.

Brentano is following the six activities to create a healthier yard provided by The National Audubon Society and Natural Resources Conservation Service. She has also enlisted the help of New Jersey Audubon's Stewardship Project, who’s director, John Parke suggested plants and shrubs that are native to the property’s location and would attract hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

Bramnick and Brentano recently held a fundraiser at their Westfield home to raise awareness for the Audubon’s Stewardship Project, which raised $14,000, according to AP. Township Administrator Jim Gildea attended the event and said he hopes to remove invasive species from Westfield parks and move towards native species.

Natural properties are cheaper to maintain, because they require less water and upkeep, Bramnick added.

For more information on the Audubon, visit njaudubon.org.