Feds award Indy $70K to protect migratory birds

INDIANAPOLIS — A federal agency has awarded Indianapolis $70,000 to protect the habitat of birds that use the city as a stopping-off place during their annual migrations.

The grant announced Thursday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be used to restore and protect local bird habitat used by migrating birds. Conservation partners will provide matching dollars and in-kind support to boost those efforts.

A city official says the efforts will make Indianapolis more bird-friendly. Indianapolis Office of Sustainability Director John Hazlett says projects in the works include a trail along the White River and other streams that will be designed to promote bird watching.

Indianapolis is one of 19 U.S. cities that have signed onto an urban treaty that seeks to protect migratory birds.