Top Flight: Houghton earns exclusive honors in Bird City Michigan program

Houghton is officially a Bird City.

This designation from Michigan Audubon and Bird City Network, a collaborative international organization providing the framework and tools for communities to become bird-friendly, places the Keweenaw community among a growing network of cities, towns, villages, and counties committed to bird conservation, habitat protection, and sustainable practices.

“What this recognition really shows is that Houghton has been doing the right things for a long time,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw.

“We’re located in one of the most important migration corridors in the Great Lakes, so the work happening here—protecting habitat, improving access to nature, and engaging the community—has an impact far beyond our region. Earning Bird City and High Flyer status reinforces that the Keweenaw isn’t just a great place to visit; it’s a place that takes stewardship seriously.”

Houghton is the only community in the U.P. to receive the designation and among a handful in Michigan.

What’s happening: Houghton has been officially designated as a Bird City, the first community in Northern Michigan to earn that recognition. The designation is awarded to communities that adopt bird-friendly practices, protect habitats, and reduce threats to birds, such as window collisions and light pollution. Other bird cities in Michigan include Roscommon, Ann Arbor, Big Rapids, and Iosco County.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Houghton as the first Bird City Michigan community in the U.P.,” said Linda Smith, who is Michigan Audubon director of partnerships and Bird City Michigan coordinator. “The collaboration among scientists, bird enthusiasts, conservation experts, and municipal leaders is truly exceptional. It’s evident that the leaders of Houghton are intentional in their protection of migratory birds as well as enhancing nature-friendly experiences for residents and tourists.”

There’s more: Houghton also was given High Flyer status, the highest level of recognition. While standard certification signifies a commitment to bird-friendly practices, High Flyer status is reserved for communities demonstrating exceptional leadership through more rigorous conservation and education actions. Houghton is the only Michigan community to receive that status.

Bird background: The Bird City designation reflects years of ongoing work in Houghton and across the Keweenaw Peninsula. Local organizations, volunteers, and partners have long prioritized conservation, habitat restoration, and environmental education—efforts that are now being formally recognized at the state and national level. Located along a critical Great Lakes migration corridor, Houghton plays a vital role in the movement of bird species across North America. For migratory birds, the Keweenaw Peninsula serves as both a final stop heading north and a first refuge on the return south—making stewardship efforts in the region especially impactful.

Beyond the designation: The designation reinforces Houghton’s position as a destination rooted in sustainable outdoor recreation. Birdwatching continues to grow as one of the fastest-rising outdoor activities in the United States, bringing visitors who support local lodging, dining, and retail while engaging with the region’s natural assets. The Bird City designation also aligns with broader efforts to position the Keweenaw as a leader in responsible tourism, building investments in trails, conservation, and outdoor infrastructure.

Partners: Partners involved in the Bird City effort include the City of Houghton, Copper Country Bird Club, Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area, Keweenaw Land Trust, Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition, Keweenaw Wild Bird REC, Keweenaw Wild Ones Chapter, Michigan Technological University, The Nature Conservancy, and Visit Keweenaw.

About Bird City Michigan: Bird City Michigan is a science-based program that recognizes communities for their bird-friendly actions. The program encourages like-minded organizations, such as municipalities and conservation groups, to work together to create healthier, more welcoming environments for birds and people. The program aims to boost Michigan’s growing ecotourism sector by promoting designated Bird Cities as prime destinations for birding and nature-focused travel. Ford Motor Company is the founding sponsor of the Bird City Michigan initiative.

About Michigan Audubon: Michigan Audubon connects birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research in Michigan. Organized in 1904 and formally incorporated in 1905, the organization stewards 4,000 acres of habitat across 20 bird sanctuaries throughout the state. Michigan Audubon launched Bird City Michigan in January 2025 as part of the international Bird City Network. 

What’s next: The Bird City Houghton group will continue to meet and discuss future events, conservation efforts, and more. To celebrate the designation, Houghton’s Bird City Committee is hosting “Spring on a Wing” around the Keweenaw Peninsula on Saturday, May 9. The day-long event features birding walks, bird banding, and a public talk about birds. For information, go to: Spring on a Wing.