Volunteers present Bird Town plan for Green Tree, tout native garden, seed library and small grants

Alisa Kantke, a member of the Bird Town committee, told the borough at a special workshop that the volunteers have begun implementing Bird Town PA strategies in Green Tree and are posting a public worksheet so residents can track and contribute to the town’s progress. "Everything is connected," Kantke said, urging the council and residents to view habitat work, education and community partnerships as a single effort.

The committee said it has secured a $1,000 mini‑grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation through Bird Town PA and is applying for another $1,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Kantke said the committee also expects a donated chimney‑swift tower from the Department of Wildlife in Pennsylvania; the donation covers materials and the borough would be responsible for installation.

Committee members described several near‑term projects that would use those funds and donations. They propose a municipal demonstration garden behind the library to highlight native plantings and install educational signage about native species and life cycles. Kantke said the committee will build a native seed library at the borough library so residents can take and later return native seeds, and that the municipal garden will serve as a source of seeds over time.

Eleni, a committee presenter, outlined why native plants matter, saying lawns cover millions of acres nationally and offer little wildlife value. "Native oak trees support 500 plus caterpillar species," she said, noting native plantings reduce water and pesticide needs and support birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

The committee also proposed children‑focused features such as a small 'pizza garden' where children could grow tomatoes and basil for learning activities and story times, and pledged to offer workshops and citizen‑science projects. Kantke said program materials, a scorecard and links will be posted on the borough website and on the Bird Town PA/Bird City Network pages.

Kantke emphasized that the program is collaborative: municipal actions, school districts, garden clubs and local organizations all contribute to the borough’s point totals and help the borough advance through Bird Town program levels. She said the committee has not yet requested borough funds beyond proceeding with donated materials and mini‑grants and will seek council guidance if new borough resources are needed.

The presentation closed with a request for volunteer help and suggestions on outreach; Kantke said the group will continue to track its activities in a shared worksheet and return with updates.