Winneshiek County Conservation is getting ready to apply for "Bird Friendly County" designation

The Trees Forever organization for a number of years has been giving out awards to "Bird Friendly Towns" in Iowa. Starting next year, Trees Forever will have a new category of awards—"Bird Friendly Counties."

The Winneshiek County Conservation Board has approved a resolution in support of an application for naming Winneshiek County a "Bird Friendly County." The resolution describes the county's efforts in developing bird habitat and the natural areas within the county which are good habitats.

County Conservation Director Barb Schroeder says the board's resolution—and a similar resolution which will be presented to the Winneshiek County Board—are necessary steps in applying for the "Bird Friendly County" designation. She also notes that if Winneshiek County is designated "bird friendly," it will help in getting grants not only from Trees Forever, but from other organizations, which is why Winneshiek County is working on being "ahead of the curve" on the new designation.