A Historic Partnership Between Michigan Audubon and Ford Motor Company for Bird Conservation
On October 10, 2025, in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, Michigan Audubon, a prominent conservation organization, announced an exciting partnership with Ford Motor Company. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for bird conservation throughout the state of Michigan, with Ford stepping in as the Founding Sponsor of the Bird City Michigan initiative. This partnership aims to amplify conservation efforts and restore natural habitats, demonstrating a unified commitment to environmental stewardship. Ford's financial support is integral to rapidly expanding the program's influence across various communities, including cities and townships.
To facilitate this partnership, Ford has pledged funding for local bird conservation projects, offering up to $5,000 in stipends to communities eager to receive Bird City Michigan recognition. This initiative aims to spur local teams into action while Michigan Audubon is waiving the application fees, thereby lowering the barrier to entry for interested communities.
Kathleen Mennillo, CEO of Michigan Audubon, expressed her enthusiasm regarding this partnership, stating, "This collaboration with Ford is a monumental step for conservation in the Great Lakes State. Ford's foundational support gives us the momentum to scale the Bird City movement across nearly every corner of Michigan. We aren't just encouraging participation; we're directly empowering local leaders to create tangible, lasting habitats that showcase the sustainable life both birds and residents deserve. This initiative makes Michigan the ultimate birding destination."
The Bird City Initiative is a scientifically grounded program that encourages communities to adopt bird-friendly practices, such as managing invasive species, minimizing light pollution, utilizing native plants, and educating residents about local wildlife. This expansion not only serves as a crucial conservation effort but also aims to promote Michigan as a prime destination for ecotourism, highlighting the designated Bird Cities to attract nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Gabby Bruno, Director of Community Relations at Ford, remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating, "Ford is committed to being good stewards of the local environment, and we are excited to partner with Michigan Audubon on their Bird City initiative. This collaboration is a clear investment in a sustainable future, recognizing that healthy bird populations are important for a vibrant community. Not only do they play vital ecological roles like keeping pests in check and spreading seeds, but they truly enrich our lives with their songs and beauty, helping us feel more connected to nature and bringing a sense of calm and happiness that makes our communities thrive."
The launch of this initiative aligns perfectly with World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated every May and October, which emphasizes the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitats. The 2025 theme, "Shared Spaces Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," integrates seamlessly with Ford's support of the Bird City Initiative, providing a poignant reminder of the importance of creating harmony between urban development and natural ecosystems.
Local leaders and community organizations interested in accessing Ford-sponsored funding or applying for Bird City recognition are encouraged to visit the Bird City Michigan webpage for further details.
Founded in 1904 and formally incorporated in 1905, Michigan Audubon has a rich history as the oldest conservation organization within the state, dedicated to fostering connections between people and birds through conservation, education, and research initiatives. Ford Motor Company, a global leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, is committed to transforming the transportation landscape while promoting sustainability and community development. As they continue to innovate in the automotive sector, Ford remains focused on enriching customer experiences and supporting local initiatives, such as the Bird City Michigan's mission to foster vibrant, sustainable communities throughout Michigan. As this partnership unfolds, it is poised to create a lasting impact on both conservation efforts and the quality of life in Michigan's community, promoting a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
To facilitate this partnership, Ford has pledged funding for local bird conservation projects, offering up to $5,000 in stipends to communities eager to receive Bird City Michigan recognition. This initiative aims to spur local teams into action while Michigan Audubon is waiving the application fees, thereby lowering the barrier to entry for interested communities.
Kathleen Mennillo, CEO of Michigan Audubon, expressed her enthusiasm regarding this partnership, stating, "This collaboration with Ford is a monumental step for conservation in the Great Lakes State. Ford's foundational support gives us the momentum to scale the Bird City movement across nearly every corner of Michigan. We aren't just encouraging participation; we're directly empowering local leaders to create tangible, lasting habitats that showcase the sustainable life both birds and residents deserve. This initiative makes Michigan the ultimate birding destination."
The Bird City Initiative is a scientifically grounded program that encourages communities to adopt bird-friendly practices, such as managing invasive species, minimizing light pollution, utilizing native plants, and educating residents about local wildlife. This expansion not only serves as a crucial conservation effort but also aims to promote Michigan as a prime destination for ecotourism, highlighting the designated Bird Cities to attract nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Gabby Bruno, Director of Community Relations at Ford, remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating, "Ford is committed to being good stewards of the local environment, and we are excited to partner with Michigan Audubon on their Bird City initiative. This collaboration is a clear investment in a sustainable future, recognizing that healthy bird populations are important for a vibrant community. Not only do they play vital ecological roles like keeping pests in check and spreading seeds, but they truly enrich our lives with their songs and beauty, helping us feel more connected to nature and bringing a sense of calm and happiness that makes our communities thrive."
The launch of this initiative aligns perfectly with World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated every May and October, which emphasizes the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitats. The 2025 theme, "Shared Spaces Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," integrates seamlessly with Ford's support of the Bird City Initiative, providing a poignant reminder of the importance of creating harmony between urban development and natural ecosystems.
Local leaders and community organizations interested in accessing Ford-sponsored funding or applying for Bird City recognition are encouraged to visit the Bird City Michigan webpage for further details.
Founded in 1904 and formally incorporated in 1905, Michigan Audubon has a rich history as the oldest conservation organization within the state, dedicated to fostering connections between people and birds through conservation, education, and research initiatives. Ford Motor Company, a global leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, is committed to transforming the transportation landscape while promoting sustainability and community development. As they continue to innovate in the automotive sector, Ford remains focused on enriching customer experiences and supporting local initiatives, such as the Bird City Michigan's mission to foster vibrant, sustainable communities throughout Michigan. As this partnership unfolds, it is poised to create a lasting impact on both conservation efforts and the quality of life in Michigan's community, promoting a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Topics Environment）
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