FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2025
 

Austin, Texas — Audubon Texas today announced College Station, Denton, Kerrville, San Marcos and Wimberley have been awarded Bird City Texas status, a prestigious designation that highlights their commitment to bird conservation and sustainability. These five cities join a growing network of communities across the state that are leading the way in creating bird-friendly environments and fostering ecological resilience.

Additionally, Galveston has achieved High-Flyer status, a distinguished designation that recognizes a community’s deep continued commitment to bird and habitat conservation efforts. Galveston first achieved Bird City Texas status in January 2021, making 2025 their fifth year in the program.

By achieving Bird City and High-Flyer status, these communities have showcased their dedication to protecting birds and the natural resources that benefit both wildlife and people.

Celebrating Local Conservation Leaders

Local governments and nonprofit partners in these cities have implemented innovative strategies to enhance their natural spaces and support bird populations:

• College Station: Excelled at removing invasive species and planting native flora and fauna across communities with the most need for trees and natural resources.
• Denton: Commended for its outreach programs reaching thousands of people each year and the involvement of the University of North Texas Bird Campus Committee.
• Kerrville: With its location in the Texas Hill Country, local leaders have educated the public about natural resource protection and expanded bird amenities to the public.
• San Marcos: Recognized for its conservation of riparian habitats, avian expertise in the area, expansive partnerships to protect green spaces in this ever-growing community.
• Wimberley: A champion of community-driven conservation, Wimberley has prioritized dark-sky initiatives and native plant restoration to support local and migratory birds.

“These cities are setting a powerful example of how communities can come together to prioritize conservation while enhancing quality of life for their residents,” said Lisa Gonzalez, Executive Director and VP, Audubon Texas. “By achieving Bird City Texas status, College Station, Denton, Kerrville, San Marcos, Wimberley and Galveston have all demonstrated the profound impact that local action can have on preserving biodiversity and fostering a sustainable future.”

The Bird City Texas program, a partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Audubon Texas, honors cities that demonstrate exceptional leadership in habitat preservation, community education, and policies that reduce threats to birds, including habitat loss, light pollution, and climate change. By earning this recognition, cities signal their leadership in conservation and their commitment to safeguarding Texas's rich bird diversity.

“We are incredibly proud of these cities and their accomplishments,” said Judit Green, Urban Wildlife Biologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Their efforts not only benefit birds but also strengthen the connection between people and nature, creating healthier and more vibrant communities.”

Audubon Texas encourages other communities across the state to apply to the Bird City Texas program in service of building a network of bird-friendly cities that protect birds and enrich the lives of all Texans. For more information about the Bird City Texas program, visit birdcity.org/Texas

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About Audubon Texas

Audubon Texas is the state office of the National Audubon Society. The National Audubon Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon Texas's state programs, three nature centers in SanAntonio and Dallas-Fort Worth, a South Texas sanctuary, and a network of 21 local chapters and numerous partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Audubon's vision is a world in which people and wildlife thrive. For more information and to find your local chapter visit https://tx.audubon.org/. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.