2021-087 Lights Out Nights and Bird City Texas ApplicationDate: October 15, 2021 Report No. 2021-087
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Lights Out Nights and Bird City Texas Application
BACKGROUND:
Staff presented information on both the Lights Out Nights and Bird City Texas programs in April
of 2021. Staff has provided education to the community regarding Lights Out for Birds to
encourage non-essential outdoor lighting be turned off during peak bird migration times.
A review of Bird City Texas requirements for 2020 was presented at the April meeting with a
matrix of requirements that could be met by the city. Staff will be requesting approval of a
Resolution at the October 19th meeting authorizing staff to submit a bird city application this year
and recognizing World Migratory Bird Day.
Lights Out For Birds
A Lights Out Nights Proclamation will be presented October 19, 2021 to increase awareness of
education efforts and the benefits of turning lights off during peak migration.
Bird City Texas
The certification process was created by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 2019. It
uses a community-based approach to help educate the public on ways that they can support birds
and other local wildlife. The program encourages the protection and creation of habitat.
The City of Denton will pursue basic certification under the program which requires the
completion of activities within three categories of requirements: Community Engagement,
Habitat Enhancement and Protection, and Creating Safer Spaces for Birds. Cities that have
completed the certification process to date include Bastrop, Dallas, Houston, Galveston, San
Antonio, and Port Aransas.
STAFF CONTACT:
Katherine Barnett, Sustainability and Customer Initiatives Manager