Avalon & Bellevue could become "Bird Towns"

&emsp;&emsp;Both Avalon and Bellevue have been invited by the Audubon Society to become "Bird Towns."&emsp;&emsp;Recognizing that the presence of birds is an indicator of the environmental health of a community, the Audubon Society — which has celebrated all things birds for over a century — is asking municipalities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pledge local resources to creating and preserving bird-friendly habitats.&emsp;&emsp;Jim Bonner, executive director of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, spoke with Bellevue Council at their meeting Tuesday. Describing himself as a "bird nerd" who has worked with birds for over 30 years, he noted that one in four Pennsylvania residents identify themselves as "bird people."&emsp;&emsp;In 2018, he said, the Audubon Society ramped up its community outreach through a certified backyard habitat program in Pennsylvania that resulted in the creation of more than 500 new bird-friendly habitats with the help of funding from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).&emsp;&emsp;The new "Bird Town" program began in Eastern Pennsylvania, Bonner said, but has been enthusiastically received by communities in Western PA as well.&emsp;&emsp;To become part of the program, a municipality must adopt a resolution such as that recently adopted by Avalon Council. The resolution, which may be adopted by Bellevue Council in the future, recognizes that the Audubon Society "will work with municipalities to engage and educate their residents, schools and businesses about conservation actions they can take to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife and people."&emsp;&emsp;To become part of the Bird Town program, a municipality also must form a committee that will identify and sponsor programs that "could be a powerful tool to increase 'green living, promote a culture of conservation in our community and provide positive social, economic and ecological outcomes.'"&emsp;&emsp;Among the areas that could become targets of the Bird Town projects are promoting the use of native plants, and reducing storm water run-off and energy use that can help restore natural systems and ecological integrity. Both public and private property can host the habitat improvements.&emsp;&emsp;Avalon already has a Bird Town committee in place, headed by council member Beth Mosley, that has identified a project involving the borough's community garden. &emsp;&emsp; &emsp;&emsp;