A new Climate Change report by Audubon is a comprehensive, first-of-its kind study that predicts how climate change could affect the ranges of 588 North American birds. Audubon scientists used three decades of citizen-scientist observations from the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and the North American Breeding Bird Survey to define the “climatic suitability” for each bird species—the range of temperatures, precipitation, and seasonal changes each species needs to survive. Then, using internationally recognized greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, they mapped where each bird’s ideal climatic range may be found in the future as the climate changes. These maps serve as a guide
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This article originally appeared in the Fall 2014 Edition of the All-bird Bulletin. Armed with field maps and GPS’s, a band of volunteers stalked the grounds of Savage River State Forest in northwest Maryland to observe and survey some of the state’s most at-risk bird species. Over a two-year period, 14 volunteers assisted Audubon Maryland-DC in a Bird Blitz, a short, rapid, citizen science-based survey that seeks to locate birds such as Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, and Wood Thrush off the beaten path. The observational data collected is being used to document the importance of areas in and around the State Forest to at-risk birds to
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One hundred years after the extinction of the passenger pigeon, the nation’s top bird science and conservation groups have come together to publish State of the Birds 2014—the most comprehensive review of long-term trend data for U.S. birds ever conducted. The authors call the results unsettling. The report finds bird populations declining across several key habitats, and it includes a “watch list” of bird species in need of immediate conservation help. The report also reveals, however, that in areas where a strong conservation investment has been made, bird populations are recovering. An example of this in the report is the
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It’s a new look and better functionality for the recently redesigned outdooralabama.com, the official website of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Conservation Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. says the updated website will better serve the Department’s constituents. “The new site is mobile-friendly and will be easier for smartphone and tablet users to navigate,” he said. Visitors will also notice a more contemporary look. “After more than eight years of having the same design, we felt it was time for a change,” Guy said. “We partnered with Alabama Interactive to develop a design for us that is both functional
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The Rural Legacy Program will receive $16.03 million in Fiscal Year 2015 grants to permanently preserve working farms and other important natural lands throughout Maryland. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the funding at today’s meeting in Annapolis. “This year, through the Rural Legacy program, we are again pleased to protect thousands of critical acres ─ acres vital to the prosperity of Maryland and its citizens,” said Governor O’Malley. “Never to be developed, these lands will work in perpetuity enhancing air and water quality, providing habitat to plant and wildlife, hosting working farms and showcasing their
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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that $328 million in conservation funding is being invested to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the nation. The USDA initiative will benefit wildlife and promote outdoor recreation and related sectors of the economy. “Conservation easements help farmers and ranchers protect valuable agricultural lands from development, restore lands that are best suited for grazing, and return wetlands to their natural conditions,” Vilsack said. “These easements are making a dramatic and positive impact for our food supply, rural communities and species habitat.” The funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation
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Click here to view and download the 2023 AMJV Partnership Year in Review!
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The 2023 AMJV Impact Report is now available for downloading and sharing! Starting in 2022, this beautiful report has been designed annually by Liz Brewer (AMJV Outreach Specialist) to…
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by Liz Brewer, AMJV Outreach Specialist Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV), in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), and the West Virginia…
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