Shelby County prepares to apply for Bird Town Designation

Shelby County’s Bird Town Committee is preparing for submission of the county as a Bird Town with the Indiana Audubon/Bird City National Network.

The Shelby County committee is working to join seven other municipalities in Indiana that currently hold the Bird Town designation; a statewide program which recognizes communities for their commitment to stewardship of birds, their habitats and natural resources.

The Shelby County Bird Town Committee is working with several community organizations and Shelby County and Shelbyville government to highlight the county’s incredible ecological resources and to provide outreach and education to residents and visitors alike.

Residents will be encouraged to get to know the birds of their backyard and attend community events and workshops where Bird Town information will be available.

The Bird Town Committee is Rachael Ackley (Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau), Patrick Addis (Friends of the Blue River), Ann Warble Haehl (Educator, Shelby County Recycling District), Jennifer Jones (Blue River Community Foundation), Kris Schwickwrath (B.R.A.N.C.H of Shelby County) and Jack Shoaf (Ecology teacher at Shelbyville High School).

“Birds are natural indicators of ecological health,” said Schwickwrath, Community Natural Resources advocate and BRANCH committee member. “Small steps in a backyard can increase the diversity of birds and at the same time create a healthier living environment for people and pets.”

“With our incredible partners in Shelby County, residents and visitors will hear more about their role in the lives of birds and will be treated to local areas that are vital to bird habitats, including nesting sites. I’m confident that they will be amazed to find out what birds come through this area during migration, and live here year-round as well,” said Ackley, Executive Director of Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

For more information about Shelby County’s work in Bird Town designation, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/Shelby CountyINBirdTown.

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