By Laurie Brown, Recreation Supervisor
The City of College Station has worked diligently with local volunteers and conservation groups for over two decades to create bird-friendly environments throughout our parks system. Those persistent efforts have helped make our community a haven for hundreds of beautiful bird species and a popular destination for bird watchers.
As a result, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Audubon Society have recognized College Station as a Bird City Texas to highlight the importance of bird conservation education, habitat protection, policy change and protection, and community involvement and engagement.
Effectively managing bird conservation can generate tourism, enhance property values, and create savings in the city budget by controlling insects and rodents. It can also improve child development and community safety by encouraging better lighting and nighttime visibility while deepening our connection with nature.
College Station’s successful Bird City journey began in 2002 with the development of the Conservation Advisory Group, comprised of passionate volunteer citizens, conservationists, students, and city staff. Over 50 individuals helped complete the list of 11 mandatory actions and 16 additional actions required to become a Bird City.
The Bird City review team cited the City of College Station for controlling invasive species and helping native plants and trees thrive in our parks. We were also commended for creating conservation-centered events, community outreach initiatives, and activating new members to benefit from bird- and environment-friendly actions.
In addition, the certification aligns with College Station’s 30+-year status as Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
We encourage you to celebrate our new designation by participating in local birding programs and conservation-related events or simply enjoying the specially designed bird blinds at Lick Creek Park. Related programs presented by the City of College Station and our conservation partners can be found on our Bird City webpage and Parks Guide.
The Bird City designation must be renewed every three years, so our bird-centric focus will continue through conservation actions and new objectives.
To learn more about what we and our partners do and how you can play an active role, visit cstx.gov/birdcity or contact me at lbrown@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Laurie Brown is in her third year as a recreation supervisor in the Parks and Recreation Department.
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