JDCF congratulates the City of Galena, IL on being designated as a “Bird City of Illinois” by the  Audubon Council of Illinois. The Bird City Network is a conservation program that brings people together to create healthier communities benefiting both people and birds. The program serves as a guide – individuals working together in the community learn about the problems birds face and about potential solutions. They view a list of specific, locally appropriate, bird-friendly actions and select a subset they want to take. Once those actions are complete, the community can apply and be designated as a Bird City.  The Audubon Council had this to say about Galena’s designation and the role JDCF played.

“On August 12, 2024, the City of Galena officially became the 10th municipality to become a Bird City of Illinois. Audubon Council President Jennifer Kuroda presented the honor to the Mayor Terry Renner during a City Council Meeting.

Galena met 14 criteria to fulfill their designation. The city achieved important criteria to meet the ‘Habitat’ category including the conservation work of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation with land preservation, the long-term establishment and success of the Bluebird Recovery Program, and educating public with presentations that support the use of native plants for landscaping.”

Galena also met criteria for ‘Reducing Threats to Birds’ category by supporting dark sky initiatives and using Integrated Pest Management for city green spaces. The city met criteria in the ‘Education and Engagement Category’ with their amazing month-long initiative called “Galena Earth Month” with multiple programs throughout the month of April. The city held a successful first World Migratory Bird Day event celebrating the 2024 theme of ‘Birds and Insects.’ The city also met criteria under ‘Sustainability’ with their installation of solar panels on the roof of City Hall and municipal wastewater treatment plant, strong implementation of green transportation with their public shuttle services and bike trails, and successful glass recycling program.” You can read more about Bird City Illinois here: Bird City Illinois November newsletter. Photo (c) Rich Mattas.