Bird Town Pennsylvania

Overview

Bird Town Pennsylvania works in partnership with local municipalities and like-minded organizations to promote community-based conservation actions to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people. The program started in 2011, and Schuylkill Township was one of the first participants.

Bird Town provides tools for municipalities to engage, educate and empower their residents, schools, and businesses to make more positive social, economic and ecologically friendly decisions. The program also promotes a culture of conservation where everyone is a potential steward of nature in their own backyard and beyond. 

Backyard Habitat Programs

Some residents may be familiar with the backyard habitat certification programs, which encourage individual property owners to improve their backyard habitat. Bird Town supports the actions of these individuals and provides additional tools that foster stewardship for the whole community. Visit the Backyard Habitat Programs webpage for more information on certifying your own backyard.

Habitat Issues & Communities Can Do

Birds are one of the most visible and measurable indicators of environmental health. Pennsylvania is an important place for year-round and migratory birds. However, habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation continue to negatively impact the population of birds, other wildlife, and plants.

Communities can combat the impact of habitat issues by:

• Encouraging the use of native plants, shrubs, and trees
• Removing invasive plants
• Implementing storm-water management practices
• Reducing use of chemicals and pesticides
• Reducing lawns
• Creating a culture of conservation

Restoration of natural systems and native plant communities on both private and public lands, positively impacts our communities by creating a healthier environment, reducing storm-water runoff, increasing property values, and building community pride.

Volunteer

Each year the Schuylkill Township Environmental Advisory Council organizes projects that support our Bird Town status. Please consider volunteering to help with some of these efforts. Property owners seeking more information on Bird Town in Schuylkill Township or businesses interested in sponsoring conservation activities should email Karen Hilyard. 

Please visit the Bird Town Pennsylvania website to learn more.

Let’s work together to achieve a healthier and sustainable community for all.