McCandless is for the birds, literally.
Recognized as the 96th Bird Town in Pennsylvania, McCandless was presented with a certificate and two Bird Town street signs by Nick Stahlman, community conservation adviser for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, during council’s Feb. 9 meeting.
“This community is working to promote conservation, stewardship through sustainable land care practices, habitat protection and restoration of natural system function to create a healthier environment for birds, wildlife and people. The Town of McCandless is designated an official Bird Town of Pennsylvania,” Stahlman said.
Bird Town status helps raise public awareness of local wildlife and encourages partnerships among municipal leaders, schools, nonprofit organizations and residents. The program also provides a clear framework for conservation action through a library of resources, guidance and workshops developed by Bird Town Pennsylvania, according to Stahlman.
“We really do look forward to working with you all on creating some more bird-friendly practices,” Stahlman said. “You are already doing some amazing stuff. And we are hoping to partner with you to create some amazing resources for birds and people.”
Members of the McCandless Environmental Advisory Committee and town residents were present to accept the designation, including EAC President Jeff Petro, EAC member Joanna Cameron and EAC junior member Jenna Parker, 17.
“We’re honored to do it, and we think it’s just another step in educating and advancing the environmental interest of this community,” said Petro, adding the idea about pursuing Bird Town status first came from Councilman Joe Wall at last year’s roadside cleanup.
Since then, the EAC has worked with township management to complete the steps necessary to qualify for Green Certification, Petro said.
“This team is fully committed to fostering programs which increase certification levels and benefit the environmental landscape and residents of McCandless,” he said.
The process in becoming a Bird Town begins by forming a committee of at least three people. For McCandless, this includes Petro, EAC Vice Chair Melissa Winsten, town Manager John Schwend and town executive assistant Diane Romanek.
The municipality must then pass a resolution supporting bird conservation and complete an application. During the review process, the ASWP looks for accomplishments or goals across five metrics: municipal actions, school district or youth-related actions, community and individual engagement, collaborations and partnerships, and advocacy.
“McCandless Township demonstrated an exceptional level of work already completed across all five metrics, along with clear goals to expand their impact in each area,” Stahlman said.
The certification designations are determined by the number of points accomplished for each level under the five strategies. McCandless is at the entry, or green level, where all new Bird Towns start.
Bronze, silver and gold levels can then be achieved, each reached by earning a certain number of points and completing goals.
Pine and Franklin Park also are local Bird Towns.
Franklin Park was officially designated as a Bird Town on Sept. 17. The borough received the designation in recognition of its work toward restoring habitat, renovating parks and public spaces, planting native species in public areas, removing invasive plants, managing stormwater, reducing pesticide use, and limiting municipal mowing to better support habitat and wildlife, according to Zachary Filous, borough manager.
The designation does more than just benefit birds.
“While birds are the central focus, the program benefits people as well. Bird-focused actions often lead to healthier ecosystems, improved stormwater management, increased pollinator habitat and more attractive and resilient public spaces,” Stahlman said.
“Bird Towns in our region also receive direct support from Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania staff, and we actively work to connect participating municipalities to encourage collaboration across town borders,” he said.
For details about Bird Town Pennsylvania, visit birdtownpa.org.
