May 2025

BIRD HABITAT RECOGNITION

Next Step for Chapters to Officially “Sign-On”

The Council hosted a Bird Habitat Recognition webinar for leaders of our chapters and Bird Towns on April 9, 2025. The webinar provided important updates from the Bird Habitat Recognition Task Force as well as more details on how different aspects of program will be rolled out as part of the relaunch of the program under the sponsorship of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. The presentation included a detailed PowerPoint and discussion about the roles and responsibilities of the Council, the chapters, and the Bird Towns as we look ahead to the official relaunch over the coming summer months. The goal is to have the program, including the signs, application forms, and procedures all in place in time for the fall cycle of native plant sales in which many of our chapters and Bird Towns participate. The program generated a great deal of enthusiasm and expressions of support from the chapter leaders and Bird Town representatives who participated on April 9^th.

Our next steps include the scheduling of a zoom meeting with the chapters that have expressed interest in being part of the Bird Habitat Recognition Program. This program is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and will focus on the role and responsibilities for chapter participation and address the procedures, including finances, for formal “buy-in.”. The Council and Bird Town are also scheduling a series of “in person” gatherings in June with selected chapters that have a Bird Town “Clutch.” These meetings will focus on implementation of the program and to address any questions or issues around implementation.

A BOUNTIFUL SPRING FOR NEW BIRD TOWNS

Eight New Bird Towns Established in April and May!

The spring of 2025 has witnessed an extraordinary growth in the number of municipalities across the Commonwealth that have become established as part of the Bird Town Pennsylvania network. Welcome to the eight municipalities of Buckingham Township, City of Harrisburg, Coopersburg Borough, Forest Hills Borough, Hatboro Borough, Monroe Township, Silver Springs Township, Towamencin Township, and West Whiteland Township. Each municipality established a Bird Town Committee, created and submitted strong applications with action taken by the governing body of each municipality endorsing membership in the network.

Each of the applications reflect a significant record of accomplishments and impressive plans for the work ahead for their Bird Towns including habitat enhancements to benefit birds and people in their public parks, work with their schools, community events, and much more. Many have already celebrated as Bird Towns during their Earth Day events and festivals.

Several have connections with their local Audubon chapter. A prominent example is the Harrisburg Bird Town. The City of Harrisburg has worked in a coalition with the Appalachian Audubon Society to initiate a “Lights Out Harrisburg” before becoming a Bird Town. They have now launched a “Bird Safe Harrisburg” program that includes active monitoring for bird collisions during spring migration.

Keep the Conversation Going

QUARTERLY CONSERVTION UPDATE

With Andy Loza, WeConservePA

The Pennsylvania Audubon Council sponsored its second Quarterly Conservation Update with Andy Loza, Executive Director, WeConservePA on Thursday, April 9, 2025. Andy provided updates on several bills, including the Solar for All Bill, the Outdoor Night Lighting Bill, and the Native Habitats at Commonwealth Facilities Act Bill. He also commented on the challenges of implementing a new law regarding native plants and pollinator strategies across state agencies. The team also discussed the challenges of introducing and progressing bills in the legislative session, the potential impact of the White House's proposal to remove the non-profit status of environmental organizations, and the issue of liability for nonprofits. Lastly, they discussed a bill related to restricting the intentional release of balloons and the potential impact of balloons on wildlife. The challenges of introducing and having them advance in the legislative session were discussed.

State Representatives Napoleon Nelson and Ben Sanchez joined Fort Washington State Park staff and Liberty Bird Alliance members for a “Bird Walk and Talk!”

There were a couple of “red flags” for the environmental community that were noted as part of the call that we will continue to monitor:

• Potential impact of the White House's proposal to remove the non-profit status of environmental organizations, particularly those focused on energy and climate change.
• The issue of liability for nonprofits, particularly in the context of volunteer organizations. He mentioned a bill that was introduced last session to address this issue, but felt it was not reasonable and would not pass.

LIGHTS OUT/STATE PARKS

DCNR Prioritizes Sustainability and Climate Action Across

Pennsylvania’s Public Lands



By Ali Bowling, Executive Policy Specialist

Office of Planning & Policy, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has elevated sustainability and climate action as core components of its strategic priorities. Through forward-thinking programs and practices, the agency is positioning its Bureau of Forestry and Bureau of State Parks as leaders in sustainable management, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience. From climate-smart forestry techniques to sustainable infrastructure, DCNR is committed to being leaders in environmental stewardship while enhancing the health and resilience of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

One of DCNR’s latest efforts in advancing this commitment is participation in the Lights Out Program, an initiative aimed at reducing light pollution, especially during critical periods of bird migration. Light pollution can disorient migratory birds, increasing the risk of collisions and negatively affecting their flight paths and energy reserves. DCNR has invited all 124 state parks and 20 forest districts to take part in the Lights Out initiative by reducing or eliminating unnecessary nighttime lighting during peak migration seasons. Peak migration seasons generally run April 1^st through May 31^st and August 15^th through November 15^th. While many parks and forest districts have already been practicing dark-sky friendly lighting, this effort serves to raise greater awareness and promote consistent participation across the system.

As of now, the following state parks and complexes have formally signed on to the program:

• Pymatuning State Park
• Oil Creek State Park
• Cowans Gap State Park
• Ryerson Station State Park
• Fort Washington Complex
• Fort Washington State Park
• Varden Conservation Area
• R.B. Winter State Park
• Promised Land State Park Complex
• Promised Land State Park
• Evansburg State Park

DCNR is also encouraging local Audubon Society chapters and other conservation partners to reach out to nearby parks and forest districts. These partnerships can help foster collaborative efforts, enhance public outreach, and further support the Lights Out initiative as part of broader conservation goals. By embracing innovative sustainability measures and engaging in impactful programs like Lights Out, DCNR continues to lead by example with partners helping to ensure that Pennsylvania’s public lands are not only conserved but also prepared for the environmental challenges of the future.

Find your nearest state park and their contact information: Find a State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Find your nearest forest district and their contact information: Find a Forest | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Award Recipient Selected

Congratulations Jim Bonner!

The Board of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council has unanimously endorsed Jim Bonner as the next recipient of its Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award. After more than 21 years as the Executive Director of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP), Jim has made the decision to retire. Jim will stay until his replacement is in place and will help with any transition. As many know, ASWP has become a major force for conservation in southwestern Pennsylvania. Jim has been a leader in the efforts to reestablish the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. He has served as our Treasurer and has been the leading voice to establish the Council as a coalition for chapter networking and mutual support. He also has led the initiative for ASWP to foster the expansion of Bird Town Pennsylvania in the greater Pittsburgh area. Jim will continue to support the Council and Bird Town in the months ahead. We look forward to bestowing the Pennsylvania Audubon Council’s Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award in ceremonies later this year!

Stay Connected

DEPARTMENT OF STATE ALERT

An Important Notice for Chapters!

Each of our Pennsylvania Audubon Chapters are independently incorporated not-for-profit organizations as is the Pennsylvania Audubon Council. Please be advised that the Pennsylvania Department of State requires that we each need to file an “Annual Report” online. The deadline for filing this report is June 30, 2025. Please note that it is a very simple form to complete and file and there is no filing fee for our not-for-profit organizations. The Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organization indicates that: “Failure to file an Annual Report will result in the administrative dissolution, termination, or cancellation of the business registration and loss of name protection.” If you have not already done so, please act now. More information about the Annual Reports, including forms, fees, how to file online and contact information for the Bureau, can be found and referenced at: dos.pa.gov/AnnualReports.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH STATEMENTS REVIEW

PA Wilds and Important Bird Areas

Two new Conservation Issues of Highest Priority were identified by our chapters earlier this year. The Council will be adding the issues of the stewardship of “Important Bird Areas,” and the “PA Wilds” to our list. Education and Outreach Statements are in draft and need to be completed for review and endorsement by our chapter network. An Education and Outreach Statement has been drafted by Bruce Buckle with Lycoming Audubon. An Education and Outreach Statement has been initiated by Karen Campbell, Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. The objective is to complete these in draft form and schedule a Council Meeting in June 2025 to review and adopt them for inclusion on our Council Website.