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Gahanna youth recognized as 2025 Young Birder of the Year; praises conservation and outreach
Summary
Council presented a joint resolution and proclamation honoring Gahanna Middle School East student Killian Sullivan as the 2025 Young Birder of the Year; Sullivan described his birding experience and conservation activities and council encouraged continued engagement.
Gahanna City Council on Oct. 6 recognized Killian Sullivan, a Gahanna Middle School East student, with a joint resolution and proclamation after the American Birding Association named him 2025 Young Birder of the Year.
In remarks to council and a full chamber, Sullivan recounted how a family trip and seeing Steller’s jays sparked his interest in birding. “I was hooked on birding,” he told the meeting, describing how mentors and access to parks such as the Gahanna Woods and State Nature Preserve helped him document nearly 700 bird species nationwide. Sullivan said he has traveled to 49 states seeking birds and now shares his knowledge locally: he founded Buckeye Birding, printed a local field guide delivered to more than 200 homes, removed invasive honeysuckle, built habitat features and led workshops at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.
Mayor Chadwin and council praised Sullivan’s accomplishments and encouraged continued community engagement in conservation and environmental education. The council’s proclamation tied the recognition to World Animal Day and World Habitat Month and thanked Sullivan and his family for their leadership.
The council presentation was ceremonial; Sullivan’s outreach and local habitat work were highlighted as examples of youth engagement in conservation in Gahanna.
