Monumental Step for Conservation: Michigan Audubon Scales Sustainable Bird City Initiative State-Wide with Ford Motor Company

Driving a Sustainable Future: New Funding Supports Michigan Communities to Become Bird Cities

OKEMOS, Mich., Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On World Migratory Bird Day, Michigan Audubon and Ford Motor Company announce a landmark partnership. This significant collaboration, with Ford as the Founding Sponsor of the Bird City Michigan initiative, is set to accelerate bird conservation and habitat restoration across the state. The partnership, a testament to the shared commitment to environmental stewardship, will provide crucial funding and support Michigan Audubon's efforts to rapidly expand the program's reach into cities, townships, and communities.

To drive action, Ford will also help fund bird conservation projects for communities across the state where it has operations, offering each local team up to $5,000 in project stipends, when they apply for Bird City Michigan recognition, and Michigan Audubon will waive the application fee. This additional funding is to help potential Bird Cities initiate the process of designation.

"This partnership with Ford is a monumental step for conservation in the Great Lakes State. Ford's foundational support gives us the momentum to scale the Bird City movement across nearly every corner of Michigan. We aren't just encouraging participation; we're directly empowering local leaders to create tangible, lasting habitats that showcase the sustainable life both birds and residents deserve. This initiative makes Michigan the ultimate birding destination."— Kathleen Mennillo, CEO, Michigan Audubon

The Bird City Initiative is a rigorous, science-based program that supports communities in adopting bird-friendly practices, including controlling invasive species, reducing light pollution, using native plants, and educating residents. The expansion aims to boost Michigan's growing ecotourism sector by promoting designated Bird Cities as prime destinations for birding and nature-focused travel. Bird City Michigan is a member of the national Bird City Network.

"Ford is committed to being good stewards of the local environment, and we are excited to partner with Michigan Audubon on their Bird City initiative. This collaboration is a clear investment in a sustainable future, recognizing that healthy bird populations are important for a vibrant community. Not only do they play vital ecological roles like keeping pests in check and spreading seeds, but they truly enrich our lives with their songs and beauty, helping us feel more connected to nature and bringing a sense of calm and happiness that makes our communities thrive."— Gabby Bruno, Director of Community Relations, Ford Motor Company

The timing of the announcement coincides with the peak of World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) in the fall. Celebrated biannually in May and October, WMBD raises global awareness for the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. The 2025 theme, "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," perfectly aligns with Ford's support of the Bird City Initiative.

Interested local leaders and community groups can learn how to access the Ford-sponsored funding and apply for Bird City recognition by visiting the Bird City Michigan webpage for complete details.

About Michigan Audubon Michigan Audubon connects birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research efforts in the state of Michigan. Organized in 1904 and formally incorporated in 1905, it is Michigan's oldest conservation organization.

About Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at  corporate.ford.com .

Media Contacts:

The Impact Kind | Kirby Wilkerson | 734-812-9032 [email protected]

SOURCE Michigan Audubon