Title
Resolution to Approve Application for and Acceptance of Designation as a Bird City Michigan
Memorandum
This resolution recommends the City apply for, and if awarded, accept designation as, a Bird City Michigan. Bird City is a program of the American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas that seeks to promote conservation of birds and bird habitat. Bird City designees commit to a number of action items each year to further promote conservation and celebrate birds. Parks & Recreation's Natural Area Preservation division, the Office of Sustainability, and other local partner organizations are all already completing many of the actions that would make the City of Ann Arbor eligible for Bird City designation. Designation as a Bird City can lead to many community benefits such as improved habitat for birds and other wildlife, increased community engagement and pride, educational opportunities about birds and nature, and potential for ecotourism and economic growth.
Background
In February of 2025, the City of Ann Arbor was approached by Michigan Audubon to discuss the potential for pursuing a Bird City Michigan designation. For over 30 years, the City of Ann Arbor has actively stewarded the park system's natural areas and has also coordinated bird-related community science and educational programming across that time. The City's bird-related programming is a key feature of the wider birding community's activities, and the importance of birding activities, culture, and science within the community is well understood. Staff believe pursuit of a Bird City Michigan designation aligns with our past, present, and future work in bird and habitat conservation.
To receive a formal designation, the City would need to submit a Bird City Michigan application. The attached resolution recommends City Council approval of both an application to Bird City Michigan and subsequent approval of adoption of the Bird City Michigan designation, if awarded.
Approval of th...
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