WATCH: Why Audubon partners with ranchers to protect grassland birds
In 2021 I directed a short film on the historic conservation group’s ranching partnership program.
“Birds are an incredible indicator species of overall environmental health. The number one crisis for birds right now is the loss of grassland.”
Marshall Johnson
Birds are drawn to healthy ecosystems. They thrive where nature thrives. The National Audubon Society is partnering with ranchers in recognition of their role as invaluable stewards for the open spaces and wildlife we cherish.
My team at Go West Co. was honored to produce this short film introducing Audubon Conservation Ranching to Western states. Directed by my sister Michaela and I.
Over 60% of North American grasslands have been lost to development and intensive crop production. It’s no coincidence that 40% grassland bird populations have disappeared in the last 50 years. It’s the most severe decline of all North American bird groups.
Most grassland birds today inhabit private working lands including cattle ranches. Partnering with ranchers is the best long-term hope for these open spaces and the birds and wildlife that thrive here.
Audubon Conservation Ranching reviews ranch applicants against an extensive list of qualifiers. If approved, beef sold from these ranches can carry the green seal of of the Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly program, letting consumers know they’re supporting a ranch operation that is doing right by the land, livestock, and wildlife.
Since its 2017 launch, more than 100 ranches across 3 million acres have earned status as Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Land. Consumers can look for the green seal in the grocery store and know they are buying meat that is bird-friendly, planet-friendly, and American rancher-friendly.
As Audubon Conservation Ranching expands its reach to Western states, my team was grateful for the opportunity to create this short film at Morris Grassfed near San Juan Batista, California, introducing a new audience of consumers and wildlife advocates to the important work being done by ranchers to preserve the health and biodiversity of our nation’s grasslands.
Credit: Go West Co., Christian May Films, Beau Simmons Photography
As an avid birdwatcher, I can attest that one of the best places to find birds is in open pastures. Cowpies attract flies and flies attract fly-catching songbirds like Western Bluebirds, Phoebes, etc.
Those soft, rolling hills in the video reminded me of the Flint Hills in Kansas. There’s something really grounding about seeing land cared for like that.