AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 11, 2020) – Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, partners in the Bird City Texas initiative, are proud to announce that four communities have received certification during the inaugural application cycle. Bastrop, Dallas, Houston, and Port Aransas have been recognized as statewide leaders in community action and bird conservation. These certified communities took action in three categories: community engagement, habitat management, and threat reduction for birds. The Bird City Texas certification lasts through 2022.
“Last year provided eye-opening scientific reporting on the stress our wildlife is under,” said Audubon Texas Director of Conservation Strategy Romey Swanson. “The 3 Billion birds report and Audubon’s Survival by Degrees climate report both show a need to tackle conservation challenges head on. Bastrop, Dallas, Houston, and Port Aransas are sterling examples of the leadership necessary to ensure that birds, wildlife, and people thrive in their communities.”
By undertaking these actions, these newly certified communities help their residents by preserving green spaces beneficial to birds and people alike. The Bird City Texas communities can also 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 the coming months, certified communities will host a variety of events to continue promoting the importance of birds and healthy habitats. We encourage interested participants to visit each community’s Chamber of Commerce website, as well as TPWD and Audubon Texas’ websites for updates.
For communities interested in applying for certification, the 2020 Bird City Texas application cycle begins in early summer. Please visit www.birdcitytexas.org for more information on how to apply for certification.
Audubon Texas Media Contact
Yvette Stewart
birdcitytexas@audubon.org
(512) 967-1904
TPWD Media Contact
Olivia Schmidt
olivia.schmidt@tpwd.texas.gov
(512) 696-8565
