The D&L Blog

Written by Silas Chamberlin

On Wednesday, Mayor Ed Pawlowski will announce that Allentown is an official Bird Town.  The designation comes from the Audubon Society, which oversees the partnership program.  Bird Town status recognizes the work of municipalities to provide native plant habitat for resident and migratory birds, improve air and water quality, and promote education and public outreach regarding birds.  Until now, the designation was reserved for small, rural communities.  Allentown–the state’s third largest city–will become the first urban community to receive the honor.

Designation is only the first step.  Friends of Allentown Parks, with the support of PPL, will work closely with the city’s parks department to plan ways to further enhance the city’s environment.

The announcement will take place at a reception held on Wednesday, July 13 from 6-8 PM at the Baum School of Art’s David E. Rodale Gallery.  The gallery currently features two exhibits related to birds and other wildlife.  Rod Arbogast and Tom Ahern, two well-known regional artists, will display their painting and woodcarving as part of A Study of Animals and Birds.  The popular exhibit Conrad Roland: The Pennsylvania Painter of Birds will also be on display during the reception.

Please consider attending the reception and help Allentown celebrate this significant honor.