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In 2018, we mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. In honor of this milestone, nature lovers around the world are joining forces to celebrate the “Year of the Bird” and commit to protecting birds today and for the next hundred years.

Last month I brought a resolution to the Town Council to promote intentionally improve things for birds here in town. The idea is to have the Town choose plants that specifically help birds with either habitat or food sources. This would happen either replacement plants and with new projects. The Town has since adopted the resolution.

We are now the first town in the county that I know of that has taken an action for the birds.

We are not, however, the first entity to act for the birds. The week prior to the submission of that resolution, some of us Auduboners met with Sara Young and Jodee Peace at the Port here in town to discuss the plantings that would go into the landscaping along the new sidewalk along the south basin. It was not a hard sell. The Port is also of the mind to make their landscaping have value added, so to speak: Looks good + Does good.

Today we toured the wetlands at the other part of the Port north of here and learned of the good work occuring there and have forged a partnership.

And then there is you and your garden. It is planting season. We have great resources here to help you make good choices. There are native plant sales coming up as well.

A list of suitable plants is on the town website under the topic “Planning, Permits and Codes, Documents.”

Celebrate: It is the International Year of the Bird.

Linda Talman

La Conner