Birds don’t discriminate between public and private property. In the 26-million acre Northern Forest, where 85 percent is privately owned, individual forest management decisions can have a significant impact on birds and their habitat. This TogetherGreen Innovation Grant project aims to protect critical nesting habitat for the greatest diversity of breeding bird species in the country, many of which are experiencing dramatic population declines.
Audubon Vermont’s pioneering Forest Bird Initiative educates private landowners about bird-friendly land management techniques to improve the health of forest habitat for people and wildlife. In many cases, these landowners want to help protect the habitat we share with birds, but lack the knowledge and resources to do so. A successful pilot program in three priority locations has allowed Audubon Vermont to connect with landowners, foresters, towns, tree farm groups and land trusts. This TogetherGreen Innovation Grant will help them join with partners including the Vermont Land Trust, Vermont Coverts, Vermont Woodlands Association, and town conservation commissions to engage new audiences in building on their foundation of success. Together, they will expand conservation planning and management activities beyond the 750,000 acres in three priority forest blocks where change is already taking place; engage the owners of 50,000 additional acres in the next year; and find ways to implement similar efforts beyond Vermont. The long-term goal is to slow population decline for birds like the Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler, and American Woodcock and to enhance the habitat they share with other wildlife and people across the region.
Landowners need practical recommendations—this grant will expand Audubon Vermont’s ability to fill that need. With TogetherGreen’s support, the Forest Bird Initiative has great potential to engage landowners, protect important habitat, and develop a model incorporating science and education that can be pursued across the Northern Forest and around the country.