Our state bird

Please forgive the pun, but Altoona has gone to the birds. The city has been recognized as a Bird City Wisconsin, a list that now includes 108 communities across the state, including Eau Claire. According to a media release from the City of Altoona, Bird City Wisconsin is a program of the Milwaukee Audubon Society and was founded in 2009. “The program recognizes municipalities for the conservation and education activities that they undertake to make their communities healthy for birds and people,” the media release states. To gain the Bird City designation, cities must meet criteria in categories such as habitat creation and protection, community forest management, limiting threats to birds, education, energy and sustainability, and the official recognition and celebration of International Migratory Bird Day.

Coincidentally, that day is Saturday, May 12, and birds will be among the educational topics addressed at the first-ever River Prairie P10 Festival. Three chirps for Altoona!