Birds Georgia Helps Transform Westminster Retention Pond into Wildlife Sanctuary

This spring, Birds Georgia joined Westminster Schools in celebrating the opening of Kingfisher Pond Reserve, a two-acre habitat restoration area that demonstrates how even overlooked spaces can become thriving habitat for birds and people.

What was once a conventional retention pond used to store water for athletic field irrigation is now an outdoor classroom, birding hotspot, and community gathering space.

The project began with a vision from Westminster teacher Clark Meyer and his eighth-grade Meet the Wild elective course, and grew through a Glenn Faculty Grant and a collaborative partnership between students, faculty, facilities staff, and Birds Georgia. Since conversations first began in 2024, the goal has been to create a healthier, more biodiverse landscape while giving students meaningful, hands-on conservation experiences.

When Birds Georgia first visited the site, the area was dominated by closely mowed, non-native turf grasses. Over the past three semesters, Birds Georgia staff worked alongside students to improve the habitat through the selective removal of invasive species and the planting of native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Species such as purpletop, broomsedge, and Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) are already increasing plant diversity and supporting the insects that birds depend on.

The wildlife response has been immediate. Great Blue Herons, sparrows, warblers, and Red-shouldered Hawks have all been observed using the habitat, and the site has been added as a vital spot during the annual Atlanta Christmas Bird Count. The reserve has also become a valuable resource for students participating in Georgia's Youth Birding Competition.

Beyond the birds, Kingfisher Pond Reserve has become a place for discovery, learning, and connection. By bringing habitat restoration directly onto campus, students can see firsthand how native plants support wildlife and how conservation action can create measurable change. The project is also helping cultivate the next generation of conservationists by connecting students to the natural world in their own backyard.

Kingfisher Pond Reserve is a powerful example of what can happen when schools invest in habitat restoration. Retention ponds and other underutilized green spaces exist on campuses across Georgia, and with native plants, community support, and a shared vision, they can become thriving habitat that benefits wildlife while enriching the lives of the people who share those spaces.

At Birds Georgia, we believe conservation starts close to home. The transformation of Kingfisher Pond shows how restoring habitat in everyday places can create lasting benefits for birds, inspire community stewardship, and help build a future where birds and people thrive.