The National Audubon Society and Heifer International have joined forces to bring Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program to Arkansas. This exciting initiative focuses on revitalizing declining grassland bird populations through collaborations with local farmers and ranchers. The program hinges on a bird-friendly land certification, recognizing producers who actively manage their lands to benefit birds and biodiversity.
Since its launch, Audubon Conservation Ranching has certified over 100 ranches across 15 states, safeguarding nearly 3 million acres of bird-friendly land. This certification process is rigorous, demanding landowners meet stringent standards for habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Once certified by a third-party audit, ranchers proudly display the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal on their beef and bison product packaging, signaling their commitment to conservation and allowing consumers to directly support their efforts.
The expansion into Arkansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of Heifer USA, the domestic branch of Heifer International. Heifer USA is dedicated to empowering small-scale farmers to transform their communities through training, infrastructure support, and cooperatives. This partnership will fund an Audubon staff member to lead the program in Arkansas, beginning the process of welcoming the state’s initial ranches into the initiative.
“Birds are essential to healthy ecosystems, and we’ve witnessed firsthand at Heifer Ranch how bird species return to our grasslands as our ecological health improves,” said Donna Kilpatrick, Director of Regeneration for Heifer USA. “Our partnership with Audubon will create opportunities for Arkansas beef producers to enhance their land, fostering habitat for bird species and expanding markets for the farmers. Heifer USA is excited to partner with such a values-aligned organization.”
Audubon Conservation Ranching’s field staff work closely with landowners to develop customized habitat management plans. These plans guide bird-friendly practices, including native prairie restorations, invasive species control, riparian protection measures, and managed grazing. Both Audubon and Heifer USA are enthusiastic about regenerative grazing, a technique that enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and increases productivity. This rotational grazing approach mimics the natural movement of bison, regularly moving a herd among different pastures. Unlike conventional grazing, where animals stay on the same pasture for extended periods, this method allows for long periods of rest and recovery. The result is a vibrant mosaic of diverse vegetation that caters to a wide range of grassland bird species, regardless of their habitat preferences.
This collaboration between Audubon and Heifer International represents a powerful step towards restoring the health of our grasslands and ensuring the future of our cherished bird populations. By supporting these efforts and choosing bird-friendly products, consumers can play a crucial role in preserving our natural world.
For more information about Audubon Conservation Ranching, please contact [email protected]
About Audubon Conservation Ranching
A wildlife habitat initiative of the National Audubon Society with a unique market connection, Audubon Conservation Ranching aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with ranchers. Audubon Conservation Ranching’s enrollment includes over 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres that have earned status as Audubon Certified bird-friendly land. Consumers with a passion for conservation support this habitat work for birds and biodiversity by purchasing products grazed on these lands. Shoppers recognize these products by the special package designation – the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal.
For more information, visit: www.audubon.org/ranching
About Heifer International
Since 1944, Heifer International has collaborated with over 46 million people worldwide to combat hunger and poverty while safeguarding the Earth. Heifer currently operates in 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including the United States, supporting farmers and food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income.
For more information, visit: https://www.heifer.org