Easton soars into statewide bird conservation program

EASTON, Pa — Easton City Council voted to join Bird Town Pennsylvania, a statewide initiative promoting bird conservation and sustainable practices at the community level.

The council passed a resolution on May 28 supporting the city’s goal to be designated as a Bird Town, recognizing the importance of birds and their habitats to the local ecosystem and quality of life.

Bird Town, Pennsylvania, works with municipalities to encourage community-based conservation actions. These include planting native vegetation, reducing pesticide use, and educating residents about the importance of birds and their habitats.

“The city of Easton has successfully passed their Bird Town PA Resolution,” Bird Town President Heidi Shiver said. “We’re delighted by this, but they still have additional steps to complete before being accepted to the program.”

City councils interested in receiving the Bird Town designation complete an application process to reflect “a significant record of accomplishments and impressive plans for the work ahead for their Bird Towns,” the Pennsylvania Audubon Council said in its May newsletter.

The applications focus on habitat enhancements to benefit birds and people in public parks. The Easton City Council will now begin this process.

The resolution, written by Councilman James Edinger, said the programs and services could be a powerful tool to increase “green living, promote a culture of conservation in the community, and provide positive social, economic, and ecological outcomes.”

“To engage in new efforts to live lighter on the land and provide a healthier environment for the people and birds of our town, the city of Easton, Pa., wishes to commit to ecological initiatives, and by doing so, we will be recognized as a Bird Town Pennsylvania community,” the resolution states.

Allentown joined the initiative in 2011, followed by Bethlehem in 2015. Both cities have achieved gold status, reflecting extensive efforts in bird conservation and community engagement. 83 other cities across Pennsylvania are also designated Bird Towns.

Residents are encouraged to participate in activities such as bird-watching, creating backyard habitats, and attending workshops on sustainable practices.