Rockton Earns Bird City Status, Strengthening Its Conservation Efforts
Our commitment to nature continues to grow as we learn more about the habitats around us,” Village Board President John Peterson said.
The Village of Rockton has officially been recognized as a Bird City, joining communities including Rockford, Waukegan, and Freeport in earning the conservation‑focused designation from the Bird City Network. The accreditation follows a two‑month review process and highlights the Village’s ongoing commitment to protecting natural habitats and supporting local bird populations.
To qualify, Rockton partnered with Sinnissippi Audubon and documented its conservation practices, educational efforts, and habitat‑friendly policies. The Village’s Parks and Recreation division played a key role, with Thunder Rock Prairie Park standing out as a model site. The park, once a golf course, has been reclaimed as a natural landscape and is maintained without pesticides—an important factor in supporting migratory and resident bird species.
Village Board President John Peterson said the community’s growing appreciation for local birdlife helped guide the effort.
“The Rockton Pelican Fest has given us an insight into how important our birds are. We are proud to have chosen the American White Pelican as the Village of Rockton’s bird as a result. Our commitment to nature continues to grow as we learn more about the habitats around us,” Peterson said.
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Rockton received its official Bird City certificate from Jen Kuroda, President of Sinnissippi Audubon, during the May 5 Village Board meeting. Trustees also approved a proclamation declaring May 16 as Migratory Bird Day and formally designated the American White Pelican as the Village’s official bird. Sinnissippi Audubon presented two Bird City signs, including one that will be installed at Thunder Rock Prairie Park.
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The recognition aligns with Rockton’s long‑held values. Founded in 1835, the Village continues to embrace its motto—History, Heritage, Pride—while investing in community spaces that reflect its character and natural beauty. Becoming a Bird City reinforces that commitment and invites residents to take a closer look at the wildlife that shares their hometown.
The full Village of Rockton press release can be read below.
[Rockton, Illinois] – The Village of Rockton went through a special process over the last two months to become a Bird City. This accreditation is from the Bird City Network and shows a commitment to providing spaces for birds and nature. The Village of Rockton joins other cities such as Rockford, Waukegan, and Freeport in this designation.
The Village worked with Sinnissippi Audubon and followed a process of showing dedication to conservation. The Parks and Recreation division of the Village assisted with achieving this accommodation. Thunder Rock Prairie Park has a natural landscape and no pesticides are used at this park location. Further, this park is a reclaimed golf course.
“The Rockton Pelican Fest has given us an insight into how important our birds are. We are proud to have chosen the American White Pelican as the Village of Rockton’s bird as a result. Our commitment to nature continues to grow as we learn more about the habitats around us,” shared John Peterson, Village of Rockton Board President.
The Village received a certificate from Jen Kuroda, President of Sinnissippi Audubon at a Board meeting on May 5th. At that meeting the Village of Rockton set a proclamation announcing May 16th as Migratory Bird Day and their designated bird as the American White Pelican. Further the Village was gifted two signs; one of which will be posted at Thunder Rock Prairie Park.
About the Village of Rockton: The Village of Rockton was established in 1835 and has a rich history. The moto of the Village is History, Heritage, Pride and those at the Village take that seriously in their efforts to serve the community. With a hometown feeling, the Village of Rockton has a picturesque downtown and events throughout the year to draw in the community and outlying areas.
Bird City Mission: To encourage all communities in Illinois to implement sound bird-conservation practices by offering public recognition to those that succeed in enhancing the environment for birds and educating the public about the relationship between birds and people and how that contributes to a healthy community.
Thank you to the Village of Rockton for the information and images used in the article.
