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A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE KILLIAN SULLIVAN, 2025 YOUNG BIRDER OF THE YEAR, IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD ANIMAL DAY AND WORLD HABITAT MONTH
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WHEREAS, the American Birding Association named Killian Sullivan, a 13-year-old student at Gahanna Middle School East, as the 2025 Young Birder of the Year (10-13 yr olds), a national recognition honoring his exceptional skill and leadership in birding; and
WHEREAS, Killian’s passion for birding is demonstrated by his remarkable documentation of nearly 700 bird species (an industry gold standard) across the United States, and driven by a spark ignited during a family trip to California when he first encountered a Steller’s Jay; and
WHEREAS, Killian founded his own organization, Buckeye Birding, to enhance education, conservation, and community enjoyment of birds, hosting a six-part birding workshop at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, including topics such as bird anatomy, song identification, warbler spotting, and more; and
WHEREAS, Killian is an active member of the Ohio Young Birders Club, promoting youth leadership in environmental stewardship and empowering others through community and shared enthusiasm; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna wishes to proudly acknowledge Killian’s accomplishments in conjunction with World Animal Day and World Habitat Month to illustrate how local youth leadership contributes to broader conservation awareness; and
WHEREAS, in 1985 the United Nations General Assembly declared the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day to draw attention to our ability to create healthy, safe communities where people thrive and opportunity abounds; this year’s theme of urban crisis response connects directly to issues affecting urban areas including climate patterns, housing access, and social cohesion; and
WHEREAS, World Animal Day originated 100 years ago in 1925 when zoologist Heinrich Zimmermann sought to uplift humane and ethical care of animals, and today World Animal Day and World Animal Month is celebrated globally to bring attention to and increase appreciation for animals great and small; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna promotes habitat conservation through programs such as the Gahanna Tree and Stormwater Program, community tree plantings, and protection of waterways and riparian buffers including the Big Walnut Creek and its tributaries, linking over 750 acres of diverse parkland across 52 parks into vibrant green corridors where residents like Killian and visitors alike can enjoy the unique and rich biodiversity of plants, animals, and birds that call Gahanna home; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna remains committed to supporting recreation and conservation across its nature preserves, woods, streams, and arboretum, and, in recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, actively pursues goals such as expanding the community’s tree canopy; and with Gahanna already leading its neighbors at 32.2% canopy coverage, exceeding the Franklin County average of approximately 23.9%, the City secures benefits such as shade and cooling, carbon sequestration, stormwater regulation, air quality improvement, soil integrity, and habitat vitality for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna recognizes that preserving and restoring natural habitats through initiatives such as expanding the tree canopy, protecting riparian buffers, and strengthening stormwater management is vital not only for wildlife but also for building climate resiliency by reducing flood risk, cooling neighborhoods, and helping the community adapt to changing weather patterns for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the Council and Mayor hereby designate October 6, 2025 as World Habitat Day and October 2025 as World Animal Month in the City of Gahanna.
Section 2. That the Council and Mayor hereby reaffirm the City’s commitment to preserving natural habitats and promoting climate resiliency for the benefit of current and future generations of neighbors and wildlife that share this community.
Section 3. That the Council and Mayor hereby recognize Killian Sullivan as the American Birding Association’s 2025 Young Birder of the Year, commending his outstanding contributions to birding, education, and conservation, and that this Joint Resolution and Proclamation be presented to him as a symbol of the City’s pride and gratitude in honor of World Animal Month and World Habitat Day.
Section 4. That this Joint Resolution and Proclamation shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.