Ranger Jen presented a proposed memorandum of understanding with Birds Georgia that would add Birmingham Park and Lacaponi Preserve to a new statewide birding trail. Jen said the nonprofit would supply signage, maintain GIS mapping listings and help organize guided hikes and community-science events at no cost to the city. "It's a free opportunity for Milton to engage," Jen said, describing partnership activities such as habitat stewardship, invasive-species removal and educational programming.

Legal staff reviewed the one-page MOU in November, Jen said, and the commitment does not include an exchange of money. Board members discussed possible expansion of the trail to include other city properties in future iterations. On a motion to have staff move forward with the MOU and present it to mayor and council, the board voted in favor and the chair asked staff to proceed.

Next steps: staff will forward the MOU to the mayor and council for consideration and coordinate with Birds Georgia on signage and community outreach if approved.