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Richland Township Earns its Wings

Richland Township’s designation as the 100th Bird Town in PA highlights a growing commitment to conservation and community.


A medium wide shot in color shows 11 people in casual clothing smiling in front of wood paneled walls in a meeting room, holding a framed certificate and a rectangular sign with a Keystone shaped logo in the center and the words "BIRD TOWN PENNSYLVANIA birdtownpa.org" below the logo. At the top of the sign in large black capital letters are the words "BIRD TOWN PENNSYLVANIA". In the center of the sign is a blue and red Keystone shape with a drawing of a red and blue and yellow bird perched in the center with a patch of blue sky and clouds in the upper right. Directly below the Keystone logo in small red capital letters are the words "birdtownpa.org". Starting from the far left, a man in a black sportcoat and glasses stands with his hands in front, a woman in a floral dress stands with her arms down, an older man in a green t-shirt stands behind a young girl in a cream jacket, next to him a bald older man in a red polo shirt, and in front an older woman with blonde hair wearing a grey sweater, next to her an older woman with white hair wearing a plaid button down shirt, next to her a man with a short beard in a green button down vest holds the framed certificate. Standing behind the older woman wearing the grey sweater is an older woman with blonde hair, wearing a grey and black sweater, next to her another woman with blonde hair and glasses. On the left in the background on the wall is a rectangular gold framed painting of five men in business attire seated and standing around a table with a white tablecloth. The group is centered in the frame.

In a milestone moment for both conservation and community pride, Richland Township has been named a Bird Town by Bird Town Pennsylvania—a designation that reflects years of grassroots effort and a growing statewide movement toward sustainability. Richland is the 100th Bird Town in the state.

“It means the township is the ‘capstone’ of a decade-long movement,” says Natalie Thiess, township assistant manager. “While the first 10 Bird Towns were pioneers, the 100th signifies that community-based conservation has officially gone mainstream in Pennsylvania.”

At its core, the Bird Town initiative focuses on creating healthier environments for birds, wildlife and people through education, habitat enhancement and community engagement.

In Richland, that mission is already taking shape. By adopting bird-friendly practices—including prioritizing native plants and improving stormwater management—the township is working to preserve the natural beauty that draws residents to the area.

Much of that progress is thanks to dedicated local advocates, including the Richland Township Bird Town Committee. Their efforts have helped raise awareness, host educational events and encourage residents to participate in programs like Certified Backyard Habitats—turning private properties into safe spaces for birds and pollinators.

What makes Richland’s approach especially impactful is its collaborative spirit. Schools, residents and community groups all play a role in creating what organizers describe as a “living classroom,” where environmental stewardship becomes part of everyday life.

The benefits extend far beyond bird-watching. Native plantings help absorb stormwater, reduce flooding risks and filter pollutants before they reach local waterways. “Bird Town isn’t just a bird program—it’s a resiliency program,” says Thiess. “It’s about making Richland a place that handles stormwater better and provides a healthier, more beautiful environment for every resident.”

The residents are already embracing that vision. From backyard habitats to bird walks and community events, the initiative is fostering connection—not just with nature, but with one another. “There are a lot of nature lovers and gardeners in Richland who would love a community that brings people together with similar values,” says Erinn Thompson, Bird Town Committee member.

With upcoming meetings, educational programs and new opportunities for involvement on the horizon, Richland Township’s Bird Town journey is just beginning.

If you’re interested in more information or getting involved with Richland’s Bird Town Committee, email RichlandACBirdTownPA@gmail.com.

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