Through the Bird-Friendly Maple Program, Audubon supports producers who are committed to managing their sugarbush (a forest stand from which sap is harvested to produce maple syrup) in ways that benefit nesting and migratory birds.
The majority of eastern forest-dependent birds—whose populations have dropped by more than 25 percent in the last 50 years— inhabit privately owned land. This is where we scale our impact.
Maple producers voluntarily enroll in our program, and when they agree to implement practices to improve habitat for birds as well as overall forest health, they earn Audubon’s public recognition.
For Maple Lovers: Find a Producer Near You
Maple products come from forests managed in very different ways. By purchasing Bird-Friendly Maple Syrup, you are supporting producers who are committed to managing their forests in ways that benefit an incredible variety of nesting songbirds, including Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, and Black-throated Blue Warblers.
Look for the “Produced in Bird-Friendly Habitats” logo the next time you buy syrup! You can even purchase Bird-Friendly Syrup produced at Green Mountain Audubon Center’s own sugarhouse!
Click here to view full-screen.
For Producers: Learn More About Recognition
In early spring, when the maple sugaring season comes to an end, migratory birds start to return to Vermont’s forests for the nesting season. But these birds need more than just maple trees to thrive. We partner with maple producers to improve habitat quality in their sugarbushes to optimize breeding and foraging opportunities for forest birds in decline.
Maple sugarbushes are inherently good for birds, but forests that are intentionally managed with birds in mind are even better! Diverse, climate-resilient sugarbushes benefit nesting songbirds, including Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, Black-throated Blue Warblers, and Veeries—and make the resulting product more appealing to bird-loving consumers.
Steve Hagenbuch
Senior Program Manager, Forests, Vermont and National Bird-Friendly Maple Lead
Fen Levy-O'Malley
Senior Associate, Forest Conservation, Vermont
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