AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 20, 2019) – Texas communities can now apply for special designation under a new program that recognizes local efforts in creating and preserving bird-friendly habitats.

The Bird City Texas Program (BCT) is a new conservation initiative that empowers communities to make meaningful changes in how they maintain public spaces and build out new areas. Applicant communities must meet rigorous standards to win recognition as a bird-friendly community, but they also have ample flexibility in selecting standards that are tailored to the needs and interests specific to the community. 

Additionally, all communities have the option to pursue the top-tier status, the aptly named High Flyer certification. Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are thrilled to have local communities leading the way to a healthy future for birds, wildlife, and Texans. 

“We invite communities across Texas to take part in this new program that promotes bird-friendly habitats as well as habitat that is beneficial to quality of life,” said Suzanne Langley, Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Texas. “With 20 local chapters representing 50,000-plus Texans active in birding, we have the network to help communities that pursue certification as a bird-friendly city.”

BCT communities can use their bird-friendly designation to attract more of the 2.2 million bird watchers in Texas, a major driver in the $1.8 billion economic impact from Texan wildlife viewing. In addition, BCT certification brings economic benefits for the communities, too, from the budget savings created by sound water management practices to the higher property values associated with greenspaces and bird-friendly habitats. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Audubon Texas, both co-sponsors for the program, encourage all those interested in this new community program to check out the Program Goals, Structure, and Criteria, posted on the Bird City Texas How to Apply page. 

Applications can be submitted starting Aug. 12, 2019. The deadline to apply is Nov. 29, 2019. Communities will be notified if they have been selected by Jan. 31, 2020. 

Media Contacts
Yvette Stewart
Yhaughney@audubon.org

Olivia Schmidt
Olivia.Schmidt@tpwd.texas.gov