Home on the Range–Ranching to Support Grassland Birds

Learn about the co-benefits of managing for bird populations. Massive herds of buffalo and elk once shaped our grasslands by grazing in patterns that created a mix of short and tall vegetation. When livestock are managed holistically, they can actually benefit ecosystem functions, including bird habitat. Many birds evolved alongside large grazing animals. Ranches can graze their livestock to mimic the natural conditions these birds and other creatures depend on. Two conservation organizations are working closely with ranchers to help monitor these efforts and guide their practices to support bird habitat. In this workshop, you’ll hear from Audubon Conservation Ranching and Point Blue Conservation Science on how ranchers can help steward rangelands in a way that supports critical bird habitat and, from this support, multiple ecosystem benefits.
Questions? Contact kathy@tomkatranch.org.

Speakers:
Bonnie Eyestone, Working Lands Director, Point Blue Conservation Science: Her work focuses on advancing science on rangelands with ranchers, researchers, and conservation partners in studying ecological function on California rangelands. Bonnie’s work includes helping to lead science and outreach efforts for Point Blue’s working lands programs with key partners, and facilitating integration and collaboration among the working lands efforts within Point Blue.
Grace Ferguson, Manager, California Audubon Conservation Ranching Program: She supports ranchers across the state of California, helping to write Habitat Management Plans, monitor certified ranches, and build connections between working lands and local birding communities. Her work is about so much more than birds–it’s about finding harmony between agriculture and ecology, and creating resilient landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.