Bird Town is a state-wide grassroots program that works in partnership with local municipalities and organizations to promote community-based conservation actions that create a healthier and more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people.
For over 12 years, Bird Town has modeled best practices for supporting the natural world—everything from planting native flowers and trees to restoring habitat and reducing pesticide use.
Bird Town’s work is inclusive and nurturing not just for wildlife—but also for those who participate in its community science, planting, birding, and sustainability initiatives.
“Bird Town shines a spotlight on the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting bird populations. Working together, we can restore and enhance habitat, reduce threats, and make a positive impact on birds and wildlife,” according to Heidi Shiver, president of Bird Town Pennsylvania.
Now that Bird Town has migrated into western Pennsylvania, ASWP will work to connect local municipalities and residents to the program—and support them once they join.
The first Bird Town was established in Upper Moreland Township in Montgomery County.
Today, there are 50 Bird Towns in nine Pennsylvania counties that have encouraged participation through speaker events, pop-up native plant gardens, plant sales and swaps, and installation of pollinator gardens.
Key to growing Bird Town’s impact is collaboration with local municipalities, adds ASWP executive director Jim Bonner.
“We’re excited to work alongside our environmentally-conscious communities as they pass resolutions and ordinances supporting issues such as native plantings for new construction and the elimination of invasive plants. It’s especially gratifying to launch this partnership so close to Earth Day.”
Bonner recently presented the Bird Town program to a municipal summit and was encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response.
Within a week, the borough of Millvale in Allegheny County passed a resolution to become a Bird Town—the first participant in the ASWP-led Bird Town program.
To learn more about the process of becoming a Bird Town, please call ASWP at (412) 963-6100.
Visit the Bird Town Pennsylvania website for more information..
For information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania website.
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[Posted: April 18, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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