ELM GROVE, Wis. — Umbrellas and raincoats were on display at the Elm Grove’s Earth and Arbor Day Celebration Saturday afternoon.

The event included live music, vendors, tree climbing, bird tours and other activities.

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriquez, who grew up and still lives in Waukesha County, was in attendance. She’s presented a Certificate of Commendation from Gov. Tony Evers to the Village of Elm Grove, who earned a National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat certification.

“It’s really about being the first in the state and hopefully your continue leadership won’t be the only one in the state to move forward,” said Rodriquez.

Nicci Sternitzky, the chairperson of the Elm Grove Beautification Committee, accepted the commendation. She said the National Wildlife Federation requires certifying the entire community through a point system.

“It’s based on population,” said Sternitzky. “Elm Grove had to earn 150 points. That included 121 homes, five schools and six businesses. That were able to certify their yards or their spaces as wildlife friendly. By having places for cover, places for young, food, water and sustainable practices.”

She said they’re the 150th in the country to receive the certification and it only took them five months when most communities take years. Something Lt. Rodriquez is proud of, considering she grew up and still lives in the area.

“I really hope other communities can take the example from Elm Grove and really move forward to be able to protect our green spaces and be able to move this across the state,” said Rodriquez.

That’s why Elm Grove created a program called “tag you’re it,” where they challenge neighboring communities to complete the certification. Sternitzky said they first tagged the City of Brookfield in hopes to better the state in an environmentally friendly way.