Chester County is for the birds, well, bird towns. Under the program Bird Town Pennsylvania, there are a few designated areas such as Malvern and Charlestown Township. Chadds Ford might be on the next flight, writes Rich Schwartzman for Chadds Ford Live.
The program partners with municipalities and organizations to work on bird conservation, creating a more sustainable and healthier environment for our feathered friends and other wildlife.
Heidi Shiver, president of Bird Town Pennsylvania, recently held a presentation to the Chadds Ford Township Board of Supervisors to encourage the choice of becoming a bird town. Detailing threats to native bird populations, including habitat destruction, pesticides, and cats, Shiver also introduced resolutions.
She said that the program lays out a “framework for community networking with other Bird Towns and conservation partners that includes avenues of communication. Events, volunteer opportunities, community science projects and more.”
As board supervisors asked questions, Shiver noted that municipality legislation such as dog-leash ordinances, native plant, and outdoor cat ordinances are only recommendations, not a necessity to be a Bird Town. Most community efforts are volunteer-led.
While the board made no decision, they are committed to reviewing the program in the future.
Read more about the possibility of Chadds Ford joining Bird Town Pennsylvania at Chadds Ford Live.
_______
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in March 2026.
