Audubon Surpasses 20,000 Acres of Grassland Restoration Through North Dakota Conservation Forage Program

Fargo, North Dakota (July 22, 2026) — The Nationwide Audubon Society has surpassed 20,000 acres of grassland restoration by way of its North Dakota Conservation Forage Program, marking a big milestone for one of many state’s main voluntary working lands conservation efforts. A brand new $2.5 million Outside Heritage Fund award will enable Audubon Nice Plains to revive one other 5,000 acres of native grassland throughout the state. 

Launched in 2021, the Conservation Forage Program (CFP) is a voluntary, cost-share help program that helps farmers and ranchers convert marginal cropland into native grasses and forbs. Habitat loss and degradation are among the many major causes grassland birds have skilled the best inhabitants decline of any terrestrial biome previously 50 years. Within the Nice Plains, almost one million acres of grassland are transformed to different makes use of yearly. As a result of nearly all of grassland birds stay on non-public land, conservation for these species depends on robust partnerships with landowners and managers.  

“The Conservation Forage Program brings marginal cropland, which supplies little or no habitat, right into a working grassland system the place a various stand of grasses and wildflowers provides diversified construction and meals sources for grassland nesting birds,” mentioned Juli Bosmoe, Working Lands Program Supervisor for Audubon Nice Plains, Audubon’s regional workplace protecting the Dakotas and Nebraska. “Not like set-aside applications, which might see plant and animal variety lower over time from an absence of grassland disturbance, grasslands enrolled within the Conservation Forage Program stay strong as a result of they’re actively managed to forestall stagnation.”  

Alongside 177 landowners and managers in North Dakota, the Conservation Forage Program has now restored 21,910 acres, establishing panorama connectivity and important habitat for declining grassland-nesting species, such because the Western Meadowlark, Bobolink, Upland Sandpiper, Grasshopper Sparrow, Sprague’s Pipit, and Baird’s Sparrow.  

“Grassland fowl species depend on contiguous grassland habitats to finish their life cycle,” mentioned Charlene Kohler Prodzinski, Audubon Vary Ecologist for Central and Western North Dakota. “By changing marginal cropland again to grass, we are able to preserve one of the best acres in crop manufacturing and nonetheless have areas that profit cattle manufacturing and wildlife.” 

Audubon vary ecologists work intently with producers enrolled in this system to develop farm- and ranch-specific restoration plans that help the longevity of their operations by turning much less productive cropland over to forage manufacturing. These plans define sensible methods for bettering forage high quality and amount, soil well being, and wildlife habitat. Audubon additionally affords financial help for grass seed, fencing, and livestock water infrastructure, in addition to institution funds to cowl forgone revenue whereas producers enable native seedlings to set up earlier than use. 

“We not too long ago bought the land and knew that it wanted to be put again to grass for it to be productive once more,” mentioned Davis and Amber Kinn, landowners in Benedict, North Dakota. “We actively ranch, and this system provided by Audubon was one of the best possibility for our operation to get cattle again on the land. We’re very excited to see how rapidly we are able to construct the soil high quality.”  

In CFP’s restoration plans, Audubon acknowledges the significance of adaptive grazing administration, the place cattle mimic the actions of native grazers (primarily bison) that traditionally formed the ecosystems of the Nice Plains. Disturbance by grazers is critical for wholesome prairies; it prevents stagnation, creates alternatives for brand spanking new plant progress, and helps pure processes like nutrient biking and seed dispersal.  

“This program would not achieve success with out partnership between conservation teams and the landowners and producers of North Dakota,” Kohler Prodzinski mentioned. “Cattle are crucial within the Nice Plains for well-managed grasslands that help biodiversity and wildlife. Grasslands developed with grazing and hoof disturbance, so what advantages cattle additionally helps grassland birds and wildlife.” 

With funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund to proceed the Conservation Forage Program, extra landowners are inspired to take part and be part of a legacy of grassland stewardship in North Dakota. This system has additionally beforehand acquired help from the North Dakota Industrial Fee Outside Heritage Fund, Corteva Agriscience, and the Nationwide Fish and Wildlife Basis.  

For extra details about the Conservation Forage Program, together with tips on how to enroll, please contact Charlene Kohler Prodzinski at Charlene.Kohler@Audubon.org.   

The Nationwide Audubon Society is a number one nonprofit conservation group with 120 years of science-based, community-driven influence, devoted to defending birds and the locations they want, in the present day and tomorrow. Birds are highly effective indicators of our planet’s well being, performing as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and encourage motion. Audubon works throughout the Western Hemisphere, pushed by the understanding that what is sweet for birds is sweet for the planet. By a collaborative, nonpartisan strategy throughout habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives significant and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 employees and greater than 2.6 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing power dedicated to making sure a greater planet for each birds and other people for generations to come back. Be taught extra at audubon.org and on Fb and Instagram @audubonsociety.