Waverly proclaims World Migratory Bird Day and Bike Month; community volunteers highlighted

At the May 4 meeting, Mayor Kristen Happel read a proclamation designating dates for World Migratory Bird Day and proclaimed May 2026 as Bike Month, urging residents to participate in bicycling events and Bike to Work Day on May 15.

During the bird proclamation segment resident Sharon Cashman, who identified herself as a Waverly resident, asked people to reduce outdoor lighting to avoid disorienting migrating birds and reminded attendees to maintain hummingbird feeders. Bruce Ecker, a volunteer with the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective based in Waterloo, described the collective’s work refurbishing and donating bikes to charities, veterans and disadvantaged residents and thanked city staff for trail maintenance. A resident thanked public works for clearing trails and noted the local trail influenced their decision to live in Waverly.

The proclamations were approved by voice votes. Council members and staff used the opportunity to encourage volunteer participation in upcoming plantings, community garden plantings and other events.