Hooves on the Ground & Wings in the Sky

In this issue: Holiday Gift Ideas, Morris Grassfed, and Eagle Ridge Ranch | Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our [web version](. [National Audubon Society]( Conservation Ranching Newsletter | Fall 2021 [Screenshot from new ACR video.]( [Audubon Conservation Ranching: Hooves on the Ground & Wings in the Sky]( A few years ago, Audubon scientists realized that rangeland-dependent birds are in crisis, with some species like the Western Meadowlark having declined as much as 80%. Most of the decline is due to the loss of rangeland habitat. Every year, about 20,000 acres of California rangelands are converted to other uses. In the midst of this crisis, we asked ourselves, “How do we protect grassland bird habitat and reverse the loss of grassland birds?” The solution came from connecting California’s ranchers and eco-conscious consumers. It starts with ranchers like Joe and Julie Morris, who operate Morris Grassfed on California lands certified as Audubon bird-friendly with a management focus in biodiversity, soil health, and clean water. [Watch now]( [Vesper Sparrow.]( [Wyoming: Adapting to Drought on Eagle Ridge Ranch]( Stacey Scott knows that birds are an indicator of the health of his ranch, and this year they’re signaling trouble. Birds that used to be abundant are all but absent. Songs that were common are silent. Brewer’s and Vesper Sparrows are the most scarce he’s seen them in 20 years. An intensely dry fall and spring combined with unusual weather events have taken a toll on birds in the area, along with cattle and ranchers. In the arid West, everything depends on water. [Read more]( Vesper Sparrow. [Farley Green in Montana.]( [Montana: Growing Our Team and Getting Down in the Dirt]( The warm fall has kept the Montana Audubon Conservation Ranching team out on the road, in the field, and paying close attention to the soil beneath our feet. “Looking down,” we’re working with ranchers to gain a better understanding of the benefits and values of baseline and long-term soil and habitat monitoring. [Read more]( [Audubon Certified Bird-friendly Seal.]( [Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Seal Gets Bird Friendlier]( Now appearing on the updated seal: a grazing cow, blooming coneflower, pollinating butterfly, and singing meadowlark, a foursome that better visually represents the habitat on bird-friendly land managed through Audubon Conservation Ranching. Consumers who choose products carrying this seal are giving their own seal of approval as well, conscientious shopping that acts as a vote for continued sustainable grassland stewardship. [Learn more]( Ranching Retail [Holiday meal with bird-friendly beef products.]( [Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly for the Holidays]( This holiday season, we’re thankful for all the ranchers making a difference for grassland birds in Audubon Conservation Ranching! These selections carry the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal, so gifting or hosting, your holiday cheer can include products from lands managed for birds and biodiversity. [Find gift ideas from Audubon Certified bird-friendly ranches]( Video still: Go West Marketing. Photos from top: Vesper Sparrow, Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies; Amy Seaman/Montana Audubon CONNECT WITH US [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [DONATE]( [ADVOCATE]( [GET TEXT UPDATES]( National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA [(844) 428-3826](#) | [audubon.org]( © 2021 National Audubon Society, Inc. [Update your email address or unsubscribe](