University taking part in nationwide movement to protect migrating birds
Each spring, millions of songbirds such as hummingbirds, bluebirds and orioles, migrate north from their winter homes. Many are lost on the journey because light pollution veers them off course. They stray away from natural habitats and ample food sources, and into urban centers where there is an increased chance of striking buildings.
During the last 50 years, North American bird populations have declined by 30%. Nationwide, cities such as Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Atlanta are taking action to help. This year, the Newark Partnership and the University of Delaware are joining in by sponsoring the Lights Out Newark program. Each night through the end of May, the University will be dimming or shutting off as many lights as is feasible and safe on campus. (Safety-oriented lighting such as street lamps will remain on.) Newark business owners and residents will do the same.
Students can apply now for support for innovative sustainability projects
University of Delaware students looking to launch innovative campus environmental projects can now look to a new source of funding: UDâs Sustainability Council Green Grants.
UDâs Sustainability Council wants to support student projects related to sustainability initiatives. The Green Grants program seeks to increase student engagement, accelerate campus sustainability topics and provide students a way to contribute to the Universityâs goals of creating a healthier campus and reducing its carbon emissions.
âPromoting a more sustainable environment at the University of Delaware benefits the quality of life for all its personnel and reduces our impact on the planet,â said Chris Williams, co-chair of the University Sustainability Council and professor of entomology and wildlife ecology. We are so happy that we can offer a grants program that allows students to propose and engage in spec