Bird Friendly County

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On a global scale, birds are facing many challenges; fragmented habitats, exotic invasive species, sterile lawns, pollution and toxic pesticides, urbanization, and domestic predators are taking a toll on our bird populations. Story County is already doing good work in protecting and restoring valuable habitat, reducing threats to birds, and educating and engaging people in birding and conservation. 

Bird Friendly County, a new community education and action program of Bird Friendly Iowa, mobilizes citizens and public officials who know that birds are more than beautiful – they are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and critical to our quality of life. View the criteria for becoming designated as a Bird Friendly County.


Story County was designated as a Bird Friendly County in 2020. Story County recognizes that birds benefit our environment, economy, and quality of life. We strive to do our part in protecting and restoring valuable habitat, reducing threats to birds, and educating and engaging people in birding and conservation. From species inventory to legal protections through Story County Land Development Regulations, fishing line receptacles to school programs, multiple county departments and community organizations are constantly working to be more bird-friendly. Notable bird-friendly practices in Story County include the requirement of non-toxic ammunition on all county-owned hunting areas, the enrollment of several county-owned areas in the Good Neighbor Iowa program, a conservation-minded roadside management program, and assisting three schools in transforming mowed grass into flower-filled pollinator habitat. We will continue to identify ways to inspire our community as a whole to be more bird-friendly in our daily and professional lives.

Download and read the full application here.

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