Nick Stahlman, community conservation coordinator for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, presented Crafton Borough with a Bird Town PA certificate and described resources that accompany the designation, including a $1,000 mini‑grant and technical support.

The certificate recognizes Crafton’s work on sustainable land care, habitat protection and restoration. Stahlman said the borough will be the 14th Bird Town in southwestern Pennsylvania and will receive a $1,000 mini‑grant that can be used for native plants, educational programming or similar bird‑friendly projects. Audubon also offered to bring outreach programs such as birds‑of‑prey demonstrations and guided bird walks.

Shade Tree Commission involvement: Council members and staff credited Kristen Chooley of the Shade Tree Commission for leading the Bird Town effort locally. Members noted the commission will coordinate with Audubon on annual certification tasks; the borough must recertify each year and can aim for higher tiers (bronze, silver, gold) by meeting additional requirements.

Signs and funding: Stahlman said the Audubon program provided two street signs at the meeting and additional signs are available for purchase at $60 each; the $1,000 mini‑grant may be used to buy signs. Council members discussed using the funds for native plantings and community education and said they will address the item at the Shade Tree Commission meeting scheduled for Nov. 10.

Why it matters: Bird Town certification brings technical support, potential programming and a modest mini‑grant that borough volunteers and staff can leverage for habitat restoration, native plantings and community outreach.

Next steps: Borough staff and the Shade Tree Commission will coordinate use of the mini‑grant, explore programming dates and post information for residents. The commission and Audubon will pursue annual recertification requirements.