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Bloomington Earns Two-Year Bird Town Recertification from Indiana Audubon

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Bloomington, Ind. ~ Bloomington, Ind.—Indiana Audubon has officially recertified Bloomington as a Bird Town Indiana community, recognizing the city's ongoing efforts to invest in bird habitat, environmental stewardship, and public engagement. This recertification is a result of collaborative efforts between Monroe County, the City of Bloomington, and conservation partners such as the Sassafras Audubon Society and Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS).

Bloomington was first certified as a Bird Town in 2016 and has since expanded its commitment to sustainable landscapes and wildlife corridors. The city's Climate Action Plan, which was formally adopted by Bloomington's Common Council in April 2021, specifically addresses greenspace and ecosystem health. This includes initiatives such as increasing the use of native plant species, restoring pollinator areas, expanding the tree canopy, and identifying low-mow and no-mow areas on city property and in rights-of-way.

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The City Parks and Recreation urban greenspace and urban forestry programs have played a significant role in improving the quality of bird and pollinator habitat. In 2024, volunteers helped plant 70 trees in the neighborhood surrounding Crestmont Park to celebrate Arbor Day. Additionally, expanded no-mow zones near Winslow Sports Complex have increased the abundance of insects that provide better food sources for birds.

But Bloomington's efforts to create a bird-friendly community go beyond just habitat work. Indiana University's Bird Window Strike Project has been documenting fatal bird-window collisions on campus since 2020 in partnership with Sassafras Audubon Society and Amos Butler Audubon Society. The project also advocates for bird-safe building retrofits. As part of this initiative, bird-friendly window markers have been installed on two buildings on IU's campus since 2020.

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The Sassafras Audubon Society has also joined other local outreach partners in Monroe County to introduce residents to conservation initiatives, including Hoosiers for Whoopers. This program aims to create awareness for the endangered Whooping Crane in Indiana.

Heidi Shoemaker, Natural Resources Coordinator with Bloomington Parks and Recreation, expressed her excitement about the recertification, stating that it reflects Bloomington's ongoing commitment to creating a community where both people and wildlife can thrive. She also acknowledged the dedication of their partners and the residents who value biodiversity. Together, they are enhancing parks and natural areas, supporting healthier habitats for birds, and making Bloomington a welcoming destination for all.

Bloomington is now among other Bird Town Indiana partners across the state who are committed to reducing threats to birds, restoring native habitat, and engaging residents in conservation efforts. To learn more about Bloomington's actions as a Bird Town, visit birdcity.org/indiana/bloomington.

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