Marion is proud to be designated as a Bird Friendly Iowa Community. The designation demonstrates a commitment to protect, restore and enhance the bird habitat, reduce threats to birds and educate and engage people in birding and conservation.

Marion’s Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration is planned for Saturday, May 10, at Thomas Park from noon-3 p.m. The event will provide resources to help keep birds, our community and the environment healthy and thriving. Attendees will visit activity stations and be invited to complete a passport. The first 100 participants to do so will take home a birdhouse.

Activities include guided bird hikes, tree climbing demonstrations, a live raptor presentation, a monarch biotent with live butterflies, informational displays, handcrafted wood items for sale, and make-and-take crafts. Visit www.cityofmarion.org/birdfriendly for the full schedule of events.

“Marion is proud to be recognized as a Bird Friendly Community, now for the fifth year,” said Mary Weber, horticulturist for the City of Marion. “We want to take an opportunity each year to celebrate all that our birds and natural spaces do for our community and to recognize the joy that nature brings to us all.”

Partner organizations include Marion Parks & Recreation, Friends of Marion Parks, Marion Parks Foundation, Marion Tree Board, Linn County Master Gardeners, Monarch Research, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wapsi Woodworks, RARE Group, Cedar Rapids Audubon, Paul Knapp, The Freeze and more.