Conservation

Protecting birds and their habitats

We maximize our conservation results by focusing on five key strategies critical for birds

For more than a century Audubon has protected birds and their habitat for the benefit of humanity as well as the earth’s biodiversity. Our legacy is built on science, education, advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation. We bring all of this together through our unparalleled network. This combination of expertise and on-the-ground engagement makes Audubon a truly unique and trusted force for conservation.

Audubon’s mission is more urgent today than ever before. Natural habitat and open spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate. Protections for wildlife, natural places, and clean air and water are in jeopardy. By protecting birds, we’re also safeguarding the Western hemisphere's great natural heritage for future generations, preserving our shared quality of life and fostering a healthier environment for us all.
 

Audubon’s national, international, and state programs, centers, chapters, and Important Bird Areas come together with an unparalleled wingspan for conservation.

Coasts

Coastal areas are a magnet for birds and people alike. Unfortunately, overfishing, development, and sea level rise put 60 percent of coastal birds at risk. By expanding our successful coastal stewardship program, Audubon can enlist a growing army of volunteer caretakers of nesting habitat. Seabirds are also vulnerable—they make up close to half the species on Audubon’s WatchList.

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Featured Project

Saving Seabirds

Audubon takes effective action to stabilize and increase populations of at-risk species up and down the Pacific Coast

Water

Audubon’s Water initiative will focus on landscapes where both water quantity and water quality are paramount to birds’ survival. Affecting public water policies is one key aspect of our work, but policy alone won’t be enough to address these challenging issues.

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Featured Project

Western Rivers

Audubon is working to identify, protect, and restore priority riparian Important Bird Areas throughout the Southwest

Putting Working Lands to Work for Birds and People

Best management practices on ranches, farms, and forests hold the key to survival for more than 150 species of threatened grassland and forest birds. By partnering with landowners, Audubon can help ensure a bright future for birds like the Cerulean Warbler and the Tricolored Blackbird, and a healthy landscape for future generations.

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Featured Project

The Fight for the Greater Sage-Grouse

One Bird, 11 States, 165 Million Acres—How Audubon Helped Protect the Sagebrush’s Most Iconic Resident.

Climate Change

Climate change poses an unprecedented threat not just to birds but to biodiversity and our shared quality of life. Audubon is responding to this challenge with an equally unprecedented combination of strategies, from advancing transformational policies that reduce carbon emissions and support well-sited green energy to leading adaptive land management practices that will mitigate the impact of sea level rise and climate change.

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Featured Project

Birds & Climate Report

Shrinking and shifting ranges could imperil nearly half of U.S. birds within this century

Creating Bird-Friendly Communities

Most Americans live in cities or suburbs, and people can play a critical role in fostering healthy wildlife populations and communities. Rural regions have an outsized opportunity to contribute. As the leading voice for birds, Audubon can inspire the one in five adults who watch birds to make daily lifestyle choices that add up to real conservation impact.

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Featured Project

Burke Center for Native Plants

Recreating natural habitat by planting native vegetation will help bird populations thrive

Our on-the-ground conservation work is fueled by science, advocacy, and our network.

Science

Understanding the Science of Conservation and Climate

Audubon pioneered the idea of Citizen Science with the first Christmas Bird Count. Today the longest-running wildlife census in the world continues to shape and inform our approach to conservation.

Explore our science initiatives

Advocacy

Standing Up and Speaking Out for Birds

Audubon is a respected and influential voice on public policy issues, from town halls to the U.S. Capitol. We have the power to convene diverse stakeholders to solve even the toughest problems.

Policy issues & action

Network

The Most Effective Conservation Network in America

No other conservation organization matches the size, reach, scale, influence, diversity, and creative energy of our chapters, nature centers, volunteer leaders, and partners. 

Connect with Audubon near you

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