DEC launches I BIRD NY initiative to promote bird-watching

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced the launch of I BIRD NY, an initiative to increase access to the state’s natural resources and promote low-cost opportunities to connect with nature.

The I BIRD NY program launch took place at the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Oneida County where DEC unveiled recent improvements at the marsh and the designs for a new observation viewing tower, according to a department news release. The WMA is an urban wetland that has a mixture of cattail wetlands, wet meadows, open water pools, and flooded willows that provide a marsh habitat for a variety of plants and animals, especially birds.

New York state is home to an array of habitat that supports more than 450 different bird species. Bird-watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experiences in any community, the state agency contends.

The I BIRD NY program is one of several state initiatives to boost access to green spaces, including focus on opportunities close to urban and suburban areas.

“New York State Parks offers rich natural habitats for interesting and unique birds,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said in the release.

The I BIRD NY announcement came on the heels of International Migratory Bird Day, a day to celebrate the importance of stopover sites and their habitats to birds migrating between their nesting and wintering sites.

“Seated at the foot of the Adirondacks, the Mohawk Valley is fortunate to have many serene locations like the Utica Marsh that allow the public to really enjoy the exceptional beauty and natural diversity of our region,” State Senator Joseph Griffo said in the release.