Decatur recently made history by becoming the first location in Georgia to earn the official “Bird City” designation.
The Atlanta suburb received the title amidst the launch of “Bird City Georgia,” a statewide initiative started by the Bird City Network and led by Birds Georgia. The program aims to promote bird preservation and “healthier communities” for both people and winged critters alike, said a release.
According to the Bird City Network, Decatur earned the distinction by exceeding its 12 required action items.
The city has reportedly established multiple initiatives to make its community a safer and more welcoming environment for birds, including a habitat restoration project that is removing invasive species and planting over 400 native plants at Legacy Park, as well as establishing the “Hometown Habitat Award,” which honors residents that promote ecological health and resilience.
Decatur has also taken steps to reduce threats to birds by monitoring collisions during migration seasons, minimizing light pollution and pesticide usage, along with transitioning its streetlights to dark-sky compliant fixtures.
Additional efforts enacted by the city include organizing weekly bird walks at Legacy Park, supporting bird scientists and their research work, as well as hosting events for “World Migratory Bird Day,” a global campaign dedicated towards the travelling animal species.
The Bird City Network program was co-started by the American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas, as a way to provide a platform for communities throughout the U.S. that are implementing bird-friendly actions.
Decatur was formally recognized by the Bird City Network during a ceremony on Oct. 17 at Legacy Park. This came following the Decatur City Council’s recent approval of the title back in September.
“Birds Georgia is thrilled to recognize the City of Decatur as the first city to receive the Bird City designation in the state,” said Adam Betuel, interim co-executive director of Birds Georgia. “Where birds thrive, people thrive, and the City of Decatur has committed to implement a variety of initiatives that support thriving bird populations and, thus, their residents.”