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Upper Merion EAC advances Bird Town and pollinator initiatives, outlines Earth Day plans
Summary
The Upper Merion Township Environmental Advisory Council on April 7 reviewed Bird Town spring programs and submitted two grant applications for pollinator gardens, planned a May 2 plant swap and detailed Earth Day activities set for April 18.
The Upper Merion Township Environmental Advisory Council on April 7 reviewed spring Bird Town activities and community outreach plans, including grant applications to create pollinator gardens and preparations for the township’s Earth Day Festival.
Theresa Landewe, an EAC member, reported attending the Bird Town spring meeting and said the program includes installations for Purple Martin and Chimney Swift houses; the council plans to install one of each in township-managed sites. Jenn Lyons, identified in the attendance list as UMT Bird Town Chair, has become more involved and has started 'King of Prussia Backyard Birders' to support local participation.
The council also heard from Mark Vondra, who reported that Heuser Park does not apply pesticides and uses only fertilizers — a local maintenance practice the members noted as relevant to pollinator habitat. The EAC reported submitting two BCA grant applications to fund pollinator gardens, one at the Township Building and another at the Arboretum Building.
The group is organizing a plant swap on May 2 at Norview Farms from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; members will create and circulate a poster to advertise the event. The Earth Day Festival, scheduled for April 18 at the Township Building, will feature mosquito-bucket demonstrations, birdhouse displays and the township’s 'healthy yard' sign program; organizers said they will raffle a bird bath, a rain barrel and a bird feeder as part of the event.
Votes at a glance: the council approved the January meeting minutes (all in favor) and deferred approval of the March minutes to a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. after a motion to adjourn by Mark Vondra, seconded by Theresa Landewe.
The council indicated these activities are intended to expand volunteer engagement and habitat enhancements across the township; several items — including grant outcomes and site selections for bird houses — remain dependent on future approvals and funding.
