Migratory Birds in Campus Planning
As you’ve probably heard by now, Loyola will be developing or redeveloping many campus buildings over the next few years. Most of these buildings will fall within the Lakefront Protection Zone and will need to demonstrate special care and attention to protecting Lake Michigan and its inhabitants.
Nowhere is this more evident than the migratory bird pathways and the persistent problem of nocturnal bird strikes against modern glass facades. As one of the premier leaders in environmental sustainability, it is not surprising that Loyola faculty and students have a lot to say about preventing harmful bird strikes in new developments.
Loyola University Chicago is dedicated to protecting migrating birds as they navigate through the city each spring. Millions of these birds pass through Chicago each spring and fall as they travel to places as far away as Alaska and South America. Many migratory birds use Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus as a waypoint on their journey, but these birds face significant threats from collisions with windows, particularly due to the extensive glass facades of campus buildings like the Information Commons, Sullivan Center, Halas Recreation Center, and the Norville Center for Intercollegiate Athletics. These reflective or transparent surfaces can deceive birds, leading them to mistake the glass for an open sky or a clear pathway, resulting in tragic outcomes.
Thanks to a grassroots effort led by the Student Operation for Avian Relief (SOAR), established in 2012, along with the support of Loyola’s Office of Facilities, bird fatalities on campus have become nonexistent. The SOAR team has conducted vital rescue, recovery, and data collection efforts, documenting 1,354 birds from 101 distinct species. Following this initial work, the Office of Facilities implemented innovative solutions, such as closing window shades during critical morning hours around sunrise—both manually and through automated systems—and applying bird-safe film on large windows vulnerable to collisions. By working together and leveraging practical solutions, these efforts have significantly reduced bird fatalities at high-traffic buildings.
Faculty members Stephen Mitten and Reuben Keller are instrumental in highlighting the ongoing successes and challenges of fostering a harmonious relationship between wildlife and campus infrastructure. According to Keller, the work began when while walking through campus, he noticed two birds who had flown into the Information Commons. “Almost immediately, I ran into the (then) facilities manager and prepared to introduce myself while still holding a bird in each hand. That encounter set a tone that we needed to solve the problem.”
All buildings are planned with the reduction of bird fatalities in mind. All new projects are committed to the use of the special bird safe film throughout campus to ensure we prioritize the safety of Loyola's avian friends.
The SOAR initiative is a testament to Loyola's commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. By raising awareness and implementing effective solutions, the university serves as a model for institutions striving to protect vulnerable wildlife amidst urban complexities. Through these continuous efforts, Loyola not only champions the safety of migrating birds but also reinforces its mission of holistic education and community well-being.
On July 23, 2025, Loyola University Chicago took a significant step in advocating for environmental solutions at the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection hearing. Jennifer Clark, Assistant Vice President for Neighborhood Initiatives, joined Dr. Rueben Keller from the School for Environmental Sustainability, contributing to a meaningful conversation about a proposed City ordinance aimed at protecting migratory birds from the hazards posed by Chicago's urban landscape.
The hearing featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including Annette Prince, who highlighted that “Chicago is the most dangerous city in the world for migrating birds.” Prince explained that after journeying thousands of miles, many birds meet their fate due to well-lit, transparent windows that confuse their natural navigation systems, causing them to crash into glass surfaces that reflect their natural habitats. Architect Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang, further emphasized the importance of design in mitigating this issue. She shared successful strategies for creating bird-friendly structures, such as the use of colored or etched glass to signal to birds that they are encountering a barrier rather than an open pathway. Gang argued that “the cost is not prohibitive” for implementing these solutions, contrary to what some building managers may suggest.
Loyola proudly shared its proactive measures to transform the Lakeshore Campus into a safer environment for birds. Through initiatives such as educating housekeeping staff to turn off lights and draw blinds, installing window films, and designing new buildings with etched glass, Loyola has reduced the number of birds harmed or killed on campus from as many as two dozen per day to virtually zero. This wholistic approach demonstrates that with dedication and creativity, we can make significant strides in environmental stewardship.
We extend our gratitude to Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Chairperson of the Committee, for inviting Loyola to be part of this important conversation and for including our University as a stakeholder in the solution. Our commitment to environmental advocacy not only enhances the urban ecosystem but also supports the vibrant community of wildlife that shares our city. As we continue to advance our campus plans for new construction, Loyola remains committed to implementing environmentally friendly practices and fostering a healthier habitat for both wildlife and our campus community. For further details on the discussions held during the City Council hearing, please refer to the article from WTTW, which highlights key points from the session and supports our message of advocacy and responsibility in protecting our environment. Let us continue to work towards a more sustainable future for both our community and the beautiful birds that grace our skies.
Jennifer Clark, Associate Vice President and Summur Lawson, Director | Office of Neighborhood Initiatives | Loyola University Chicago | LUC.edu/neighborhood
As you’ve probably heard by now, Loyola will be developing or redeveloping many campus buildings over the next few years. Most of these buildings will fall within the Lakefront Protection Zone and will need to demonstrate special care and attention to protecting Lake Michigan and its inhabitants.
Nowhere is this more evident than the migratory bird pathways and the persistent problem of nocturnal bird strikes against modern glass facades. As one of the premier leaders in environmental sustainability, it is not surprising that Loyola faculty and students have a lot to say about preventing harmful bird strikes in new developments.
Loyola University Chicago is dedicated to protecting migrating birds as they navigate through the city each spring. Millions of these birds pass through Chicago each spring and fall as they travel to places as far away as Alaska and South America. Many migratory birds use Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus as a waypoint on their journey, but these birds face significant threats from collisions with windows, particularly due to the extensive glass facades of campus buildings like the Information Commons, Sullivan Center, Halas Recreation Center, and the Norville Center for Intercollegiate Athletics. These reflective or transparent surfaces can deceive birds, leading them to mistake the glass for an open sky or a clear pathway, resulting in tragic outcomes.
Thanks to a grassroots effort led by the Student Operation for Avian Relief (SOAR), established in 2012, along with the support of Loyola’s Office of Facilities, bird fatalities on campus have become nonexistent. The SOAR team has conducted vital rescue, recovery, and data collection efforts, documenting 1,354 birds from 101 distinct species. Following this initial work, the Office of Facilities implemented innovative solutions, such as closing window shades during critical morning hours around sunrise—both manually and through automated systems—and applying bird-safe film on large windows vulnerable to collisions. By working together and leveraging practical solutions, these efforts have significantly reduced bird fatalities at high-traffic buildings.
Faculty members Stephen Mitten and Reuben Keller are instrumental in highlighting the ongoing successes and challenges of fostering a harmonious relationship between wildlife and campus infrastructure. According to Keller, the work began when while walking through campus, he noticed two birds who had flown into the Information Commons. “Almost immediately, I ran into the (then) facilities manager and prepared to introduce myself while still holding a bird in each hand. That encounter set a tone that we needed to solve the problem.”
All buildings are planned with the reduction of bird fatalities in mind. All new projects are committed to the use of the special bird safe film throughout campus to ensure we prioritize the safety of Loyola's avian friends.
The SOAR initiative is a testament to Loyola's commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. By raising awareness and implementing effective solutions, the university serves as a model for institutions striving to protect vulnerable wildlife amidst urban complexities. Through these continuous efforts, Loyola not only champions the safety of migrating birds but also reinforces its mission of holistic education and community well-being.
On July 23, 2025, Loyola University Chicago took a significant step in advocating for environmental solutions at the City Council Committee on Environmental Protection hearing. Jennifer Clark, Assistant Vice President for Neighborhood Initiatives, joined Dr. Rueben Keller from the School for Environmental Sustainability, contributing to a meaningful conversation about a proposed City ordinance aimed at protecting migratory birds from the hazards posed by Chicago's urban landscape.
The hearing featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including Annette Prince, who highlighted that “Chicago is the most dangerous city in the world for migrating birds.” Prince explained that after journeying thousands of miles, many birds meet their fate due to well-lit, transparent windows that confuse their natural navigation systems, causing them to crash into glass surfaces that reflect their natural habitats. Architect Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang, further emphasized the importance of design in mitigating this issue. She shared successful strategies for creating bird-friendly structures, such as the use of colored or etched glass to signal to birds that they are encountering a barrier rather than an open pathway. Gang argued that “the cost is not prohibitive” for implementing these solutions, contrary to what some building managers may suggest.
Loyola proudly shared its proactive measures to transform the Lakeshore Campus into a safer environment for birds. Through initiatives such as educating housekeeping staff to turn off lights and draw blinds, installing window films, and designing new buildings with etched glass, Loyola has reduced the number of birds harmed or killed on campus from as many as two dozen per day to virtually zero. This wholistic approach demonstrates that with dedication and creativity, we can make significant strides in environmental stewardship.
We extend our gratitude to Alderwoman Maria Hadden, Chairperson of the Committee, for inviting Loyola to be part of this important conversation and for including our University as a stakeholder in the solution. Our commitment to environmental advocacy not only enhances the urban ecosystem but also supports the vibrant community of wildlife that shares our city. As we continue to advance our campus plans for new construction, Loyola remains committed to implementing environmentally friendly practices and fostering a healthier habitat for both wildlife and our campus community. For further details on the discussions held during the City Council hearing, please refer to the article from WTTW, which highlights key points from the session and supports our message of advocacy and responsibility in protecting our environment. Let us continue to work towards a more sustainable future for both our community and the beautiful birds that grace our skies.
Jennifer Clark, Associate Vice President and Summur Lawson, Director | Office of Neighborhood Initiatives | Loyola University Chicago | LUC.edu/neighborhood