Bloomington Earns Two-Year Bird Town Recertification from Indiana Audubon

Designation reflects city, county investment in bird habitat, environmental stewardship

Indiana Audubon has recertified Bloomington as a Bird Town Indiana community, recognizing ongoing investments by Monroe County, the City of Bloomington, and conservation partners including the Sassafras Audubon Society and Monroe County-Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS) in bird habitat, environmental stewardship, and public engagement.

Since its initial Bird Town certification in 2016, Bloomington has expanded its commitment to sustainable landscapes and wildlife corridors. The city's Climate Action Plan, formally adopted by Bloomington's Common Council in April 2021, specifically addresses greenspace and ecosystem health through increasing the use of native plant species, restoring pollinator areas, expanding the tree canopy, and identifying low-mow and no-mow areas on city property and in rights-of-way. Learn more about the City of Bloomington's Climate Action Plan.

The City Parks and Recreation urban greenspace and urban forestry programs have made significant contributions to improving the quality, and increasing the amount, of bird and pollinator habitat. Volunteers helped plant 70 trees in the neighborhood surrounding Crestmont Park to celebrate Arbor Day in 2024, while expanded no-mow zones near Winslow Sports Complex increased the abundance of insects that provide better food sources for birds.  ​

The community's bird-friendly efforts extend beyond habitat work. Indiana University's Bird Window Strike Project, conducted in partnership with the Sassafras Audubon Society and Amos Butler Audubon Society, has documented fatal bird-window collisions on the IU campus since 2020, and advocates for bird-safe building retrofits. Since 2020, bird-friendly window markers have been installed on two Bloomington campus buildings.

Sassafras Audubon Society joined other local outreach partners in Monroe County to introduce residents to conservation initiatives including Hoosiers for Whoopers, creating awareness for the endangered Whooping Crane in Indiana.

"Recertification as a Bird Town reflects Bloomington’s ongoing commitment to creating a community where both people and wildlife thrive," said Heidi Shoemaker, Natural Resources Coordinator with Bloomington Parks and Recreation. "This recognition would not be possible without the dedication of our partners: Sassafras Audubon Society, Monroe County Parks & Recreation, Bloomington's Economic and Sustainable Development and, most importantly, the bird watchers, citizen scientists, and residents who value biodiversity. Together, we are enhancing our parks and natural areas, supporting healthier habitats for birds, and strengthening Bloomington’s appeal as a welcoming destination for all."

Bloomington joins other Bird Town Indiana partners across the state committed to reducing threats to birds, restoring native habitat, and engaging residents in conservation. Learn more about Bloomington's actions at birdcity.org/indiana/bloomington.