Johnson County was recently designated a Bird Friendly Iowa (BFI) Community and earned High Flyer status – the highest level of achievement – on its first application. 

A dedication event was held Friday, Nov. 14, at the Kent Park Conservation Education Center, with help from the Iowa City Bird Club.

County officials thanked the many organizations, volunteers, and municipalities whose ongoing work supports birds and provides conservation education. Johnson County’s Bird Friendly Community team documented more than twice the number of required actions for BFI recognition and completed six special-category actions to qualify for High Flyer status.

The county continues to demonstrate strong leadership in conservation. More than 21,000 acres are protected for conservation, and Johnson County Conservation (JCC) manages 2,735 acres of public land, 22 miles of paved trails, and 24 miles of the Iowa River Water Trail. In 2024, voters reaffirmed this commitment by approving a $30 million bond to enhance water quality, parks, trails, and natural resources.

The Iowa River greenbelt continues to serve as a critical migration corridor and year-round habitat.

JCC’s Environmental Education program offers hands-on learning about bird identification, habitat needs, and conservation practices, along with its popular annual Native Plant Series, which is supported by JC Master Gardeners.

“Birds are important indicators of healthy soil, water, air, and native vegetation,” said Doug Harr of Bird Friendly Iowa and president of Iowa Audubon, based in Waterloo. “Quality habitat is essential to reversing declines in birds, Monarchs, and other key species.”

Bird Friendly Iowa is part of the Bird City Network, and also partners with Iowa conservation organizations and agencies, including Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation; Iowa DNR-Wildlife Bureau; Iowa Wildlife Center; Iowa Ornithological Union; Iowa Tourism; The Nature Conservancy; and the Iowa County Conservation System.