Marion to Host Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration at Thomas Park this Saturday

Marion is proud to be designated as a Bird Friendly Iowa Community. The designation demonstrates a commitment to protecting, restoring and enhancing bird habitats, reducing threats to birds and educating and engaging people in birding and conservation.

Marion's Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration is planned for this Saturday, May 9, at Thomas Park from noon to 3 p.m. This will mark the fifth anniversary of this popular event and will provide even more resources to help keep birds, the 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. A door prize donated by Culver's Garden Center & Greenhouse will also be given away at the event.

For the first time, organizers are hosting a bird calling contest between 12:30-1 p.m. Other activities include guided bird hikes, a tree-climbing demonstration, an invasive species management goat grazing demo, a live raptor presentation, informational displays, nature-themed gifts and gear for sale, as well as 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 us."

Partner organizations include the Marion Parks and Recreation Department, Friends of Marion Parks, Marion Tree Board, Marion Public Library, Creekside Pride, Linn County Master Gardeners, Trees Forever, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Indian Creek Nature Center, R.A.R.E. Group, East Post Pumpkins, Moss Plant Shop, Shades & Shields LLC, Advantage Tree Services, GO-AT It Land Stewardship, Cedar Rapids Audubon, Paul Knapp, The Freeze and more.