According to the City of Rockville, the city has become the first municipality in Montgomery County to receive a Bird City Maryland designation, recognizing its efforts to protect bird habitats, reduce threats to birds and expand environmental education.
Bird City Maryland, an initiative of the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, recognizes communities that take steps to improve conditions for birds. Rockville’s Mayor and Council are scheduled to formally receive the recognition at their December 7 meeting.
The city’s conservation efforts include planting 2,500 native trees and shrubs at RedGate Park, which is home to 179 bird species, and designating 12 forest preserves covering approximately 335 acres.
Rockville has also amended its building code to require bird-friendly glass in new construction and expanded birding and conservation programs at Croydon Creek Nature Center.
The designation recognizes communities for their work in habitat protection, bird safety, education and sustainability, along with a commitment to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day annually.
More information is available at birdcity.org/maryland/rockville.
