Image: Nelson’s Sparrow perched on a reed among tall green marsh grasses at Limberlost Swamp Nature Preserve. Photo by Ryan Sanderson.
Geneva was recertified as a Bird Town Indiana community after completing conservation actions that improved bird habitat at the Limberlost Conservation Area.
Bird Town Indiana, a program of Indiana Audubon, recognizes communities that take measurable action to create healthier environments for birds through habitat conservation, public education and community leadership. Geneva’s recertification extends its Bird Town designation for two more years and reflects conservation work completed since 2022.
One of the town’s recent bird conservation efforts was the installation of a chimney swift tower in July 2025 on a barn owned by Friends of the Limberlost at the Limberlost Swamp Nature Preserve. Chimney swifts have declined sharply in recent decades as many of the open, masonry chimneys they rely on for nesting and roosting are capped, lined or replaced by modern designs. The tower added a new site for chimney swifts at the preserve.
Geneva focused on habitat restoration through tree planting. In May 2025, 10,000 hardwood trees from the state nursery were planted with the help of ACRES Land Trust and guidance from Ryan Smith, east central region ecologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Nature Preserves. The planting added forest cover used by migratory songbirds during spring and fall migration and now provides habitat for wildlife year-round.
The town’s renewal also included work to improve access to outdoor experiences. The ADA-accessible Canoper Trail was expanded by 1.5 miles, connecting Geneva to Berne and making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy birds at both nature preserves.
“Limberlost has always been a place where birds draw people in,” said Terri Gorney Lehman, secretary of Friends of Limberlost. “This recertification shows how much care people put into protecting that place, and it’s encouraging to see local action that benefits birds and the community at the same time.”
Geneva’s Bird Town renewal highlighted community-led work at Limberlost Swamp Nature Preserve and Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve, including youth-led efforts that added trail boot scrapes and interpretive signage to support responsible outdoor use and increase awareness of local natural resources.
Residents can read more about Geneva’s Bird Town work at birdcity.org/indiana/geneva.
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