Michigan is home to over 460 documented bird species, making it one of the most diverse bird states in the country—and many of these species are facing significant declines. Bird City Michigan gives communities a framework to make a real difference by improving habitats and reducing everyday threats.

The benefits go beyond conservation:

• Healthier habitats mean more resilient local ecosystems.

• Bird‑friendly cities tend to be more sustainable and more enjoyable places for people too.

• Communities can tap into a booming nature‑based tourism economy, with U.S. birders spending more than $107 billion in 2022 alone on birding travel, equipment, and related activities.

Michigan’s first Bird City communities—Roscommon, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Iosco County, and Big Rapids—have already gained statewide visibility for their conservation leadership.

Bird City Michigan is a statewide program led by Michigan Audubon that helps cities, towns, counties, and campuses take meaningful steps to make their communities healthier for both birds and people. The program launched in January 2025 as part of the international Bird City Network.

Communities participating in Bird City Michigan work through a menu of bird‑friendly actions—many of which they may already be doing—to qualify for official Bird City designation. These actions fall into four key categories:

• Habitat: Protecting and restoring the native spaces birds depend on.

• Threat Reduction: Addressing challenges like window collisions, plastic waste, light pollution, and outdoor cats.

• Engagement & Education: Offering programs, events, and resources that connect people with birds.

• Sustainability: Encouraging environmentally responsible, long‑term community practices.

Once a community completes the required number of actions, it can apply for Bird City designation. Much like the original national program, participation remains ongoing—communities continue their work and periodically renew their status to stay active.