Residential yards make a big difference!

Mt. Lebanon joined 18 Bird Towns in Allegheny County, including neighboring Green Tree and Dormont, in 2026.

This recognition is the culmination of years of work in the community to make Mt. Lebanon a better place for wildlife and people alike. The Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy has worked hard to remove invasive species in our parks and plant native plants, educated the public through programming, held native plant sales to make these plants more accessible to our neighbors. We have assisted Mt. Lebanon with its status as an arboretum, and worked with the municipality and the school district on many other initiatives.

There is so much more we can all do! Everyone can help by taking these steps:

• Gain certification as a backyard habitat. Add native plants and water to your garden. These efforts support wildlife, including insects that can feed birds and other wildlife.

• Be a messy gardener! Put away that leaf blower and let the leaves sit on your flower beds and underneath your tree, providing shelter for insects and allowing nutrients return to the soil.

• Promote dark skies. Turn off those outdoor lights at night. Lights can disorient migrating birds, and many insects die from dehydration as they are attracted to bright lights. Instead, draw your curtains, turn off the lights and enjoy the darkness!

• Keep your cats indoors. Pets live longer if they are safely indoors, and it is safer for the birds too.

• Consume wisely. Plant-based meals, bird-friendly coffee and chocolate, and other choices send a conservation message and save land and birds.

• Spread the message. Talk to your neighbors about your native plants! The more lawn we can replace with native plant gardens, the more wildlife we can support in our community!