Hamilton County Parks and Recreation receives Amos Butler Audubon Society Birdathon Grant

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) has been awarded $1,500 through the Amos Butler Audubon Society Birdathon Grant to fund the restoration of a three-acre area at Cool Creek Park.

This grant will enable HCPR to purchase native seeds and plugs to restore habitats in areas of the park where invasive plants have been removed. The restoration project will support the health of native bird populations at Cool Creek Park, particularly those that rely on native plants for food sources.

Cool Creek Park, a 90-acre park known for its extensive trails and nature center, is one of Hamilton County’s most popular recreational spaces and a renowned birding hotspot. The habitat restoration will improve the park’s ecosystem by replanting native species that support insect populations vital to local birds, including several species of neo-tropical insectivores and winter residents that rely on insects for survival.

“Cool Creek Park has always been an important natural resource for Hamilton County, and this grant will help us ensure its future as a vital space for wildlife including birds and insects,” HCPR Director Chris Stice said. “The restoration of native habitats will help the park thrive and continue to serve as an ecological gem for all to enjoy.”

The project will focus on planting native species, such as oaks, willows, hickories, and goldenrod, in the areas where invasive Amur honeysuckle was recently removed. These native plants will provide essential habitat for insects, which are a primary food source for nesting birds, and will also support wintering bird species that rely on insects to survive the colder months.

“By removing invasive species and planting native species, we’re restoring ecological balance to Cool Creek Park,” HCPR Superintendent of Natural Amanda Smith said. “This project will provide crucial resources for local bird populations, especially those that rely on the park’s habitat for food and nesting.”

This restoration effort will benefit a variety of bird species, including wood thrush, indigo buntings, ovenbirds, golden-crowned kinglets, winter wren, and more. The project aligns with HCPR’s commitment to enhancing the natural landscape of Cool Creek Park, ensuring it remains a sustainable environment for local wildlife.