Habitat Creation, Protection, and Monitoring

A. Comply with Wisconsin's "Smart Growth" law for land use planning and resource management. This criterion is an option only for applications submitted before July 1, 2017.

The Village of River Hills adopted Ordinance 510, its “Smart Growth” ordinance, and meets the guidelines set forth by the state of Wisconsin.

E. Describe your community’s ordinance demonstrating that your community does not restrict natural/native landscaping that emphasizes native plants and non-turf lawns.

The Village of River Hills has codes and ordinances in place (7.0906 C) that do not restrict “wild” or natural lawns where said landscaping is in harmony with the surrounding land.

F. Show that your community offers the public information on how they can control and remove invasive species in order to improve or maintain bird habitat.

Control of invasive species can be found primarily on the Village of River Hills’ website under “Committee on the Environment” (COE). Links to additional information regarding invasive species and their control also can be found on the COE homepage. The COE ran publications educating the public on the Emerald Ash Borer and an annual article discussing refraining from destroying the natural habitat along the Milwaukee River and Indian Creek.

Community Forest Management

A. Demonstrate that your community has been awarded Tree City USA status by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

The Village of River Hills continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation following its initial award in 2013.

Limiting or Removing Threats to Birds

L. OTHER: Demonstrate in a narrative.

Occasionally the Village Manager’s article in the monthly North Shore magazine, will have tips on removing or limiting hazards to birds. For instance in September 2022, there was an article regarding tips for Keeping Bird Feeders and Baths clean and in the right place to keep birds alive.  The Village also promotes Birds at their annual event for residents in the fall which celebrates trees, birds and monarch butterflies and was held on September 8, 2022.

Energy & Sustainability

F. Demonstrate that your community participates in a community solar program or that a municipal building receives a significant percentage of its electricity from renewable energy.

The Village of River Hills is one of the north shore communities that supports the Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee program.  This program provides information to residents regarding solar energy and provides those interested in assistance with purchasing solar energy systems.  In 2023, the Village will place solar panels on village hall and public works building.

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)

A. This community's municipal body passed the required World Migratory Bird Day resolution.

B. Document and describe your event that incorporates the annual IMBD theme in some fashion. If the event has not yet occurred, please share your detailed plans. For information on the current year’s theme and event materials, please visit the World Migratory Bird Day website. To see what other Bird City communities have done in the past, please view some other profiles on our website.

In 2022 River Hills celebrated International Migratory Bird Day in conjunction with its Arbor Day event on September 8 at the Audubon Nature Center. This event included tours of the Nature Center and a meet and greet with the River Hills Police Department, Village Trustees and staff, information about the emerald ash borer, a photo display, and beverages and snacks.  The 2023 event is scheduled for September 14, 2023 at the Audubon Nature Center.