[PENDING] Celebrating 10 Years of BirdReturns

This 12 months marks a decade of BirdReturns—a groundbreaking program that brings collectively non-public wetlands managers, farmers, scientists, and conservationists to create important habitat for migratory birds throughout California’s Central Valley. To rejoice this milestone, the Migratory Hen Conservation Partnership (Audubon California, The Nature Conservancy, and Level Blue Conservation Science) hosted a gathering in Sacramento on April 9, full with a brand new video, refreshed emblem, and our first-ever BirdReturns Awards.

The celebration introduced collectively growers, company leaders, researchers, donors, and long-time companions who’ve formed this system’s success. Keynote audio system included Chuck Bonham, Director of the California Division of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and former State Senator Jerry McNerney, each of whom underscored the significance of continued public funding in habitat packages like BirdReturns. 

For our Working Lands group, the celebration began within the subject earlier than dawn, after they joined different members of the MBCP from UC Davis, CDFW, and others to wrap up shorebird seize efforts for a four-year drought research—a part of an bold analysis collaboration with Oregon State College, The Nature Conservancy, Level Blue Conservation Science, and Audubon California. The research explores how restricted habitat throughout drought years impacts the bodily situation of migratory shorebirds, together with Dunlins, throughout the winter season in California and different coastal websites alongside the Pacific Flyway. 

Since fall 2023, BirdReturns has continued to construct on its success—creating almost 60,000 acres of seasonal habitat in only one 12 months to assist shorebirds and waterbirds. This system additionally expanded its attain to Suisun Marsh, finishing its footprint throughout the complete Central Valley and reinforcing its important function in offering migratory birds with the habitat they want, when and the place they want it most.

That is the magic of BirdReturns: a science-driven, collaborative strategy that works hand-in-hand with landowners to assist birds all through their journey.

We’re carrying the momentum of a decade of BirdReturns into 2025 with renewed vitality—and we are able to’t wait to share what this 12 months’s efforts have made doable. Moments like these, whether or not in a crowded room of supporters or visiting a Central Valley wetland at daybreak, remind us what’s doable once we work collectively. Thanks to all of the wetlands managers, growers, companions, and supporters who’ve helped make over 180,000 acres of high-quality wetland habitat a actuality. Have a good time with us, and watch the brand new BirdReturns video now!