California

Conservation in California

Saving birds and their habitats is at the core of what we do.

Because of the importance of California to birds, Audubon has had a strong presence here for more than 100 years, represented by the National Audubon Society, local chapters, and many thousands of members and supporters. Audubon California, acting as a field program of the National Audubon Society since 1996, has a long list of accomplishments on behalf of birds and nature. Recent examples include legislation to remove toxic lead from ammunition, an agreement to safeguard habitat for birds at Owens Lake, the establishment of protected areas for marine birds along the coast, and an introduction to nature for thousands of children at our centers and sanctuaries.

All of our victories are made possible by the unique way that Audubon California works. Building from our origins as a grassroots movement powered by people’s love of birds, our organization works on the local, state, and national levels, seeking out partnerships with chapters, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. We have a reputation for building sensible, non-partisan solutions to conservation challenges. If conservation is a journey, we invite people to join us on that journey and to share in our success. Explore this section and learn about the different ways in which we work.

How We're Making a Difference
Long, thin blades of aquatic grass emerge from the surface of water.
Restoring Eelgrass in Richardson Bay
To restore and enhance eelgrass beds in Richardson Bay, providing critical habitat for coastal birds and marine life while improving water quality and strengthening shoreline resilience.
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A woman, Camila Bautista, stands on the shore of the Salton Sea, holding binoculars and gazing into the distance. She wears a navy blue Audubon hat, a light purple shirt, a lavender windbreaker, and jeans.
The Salton Sea: Protecting the Sea for Birds & Communities
To protect and restore vital habitat for migratory birds while addressing the environmental and public health challenges of the Salton Sea’s community.
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A Verdin perches in a cactus.
Chuckwalla National Monument
Protecting California's stunning desert landscapes.
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San Diego Mission Bay
Restore San Diego’s coastal wetlands to support wildlife, improve water quality, and uplift community and cultural connections.
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BirdReturns
Increase shallow flooding on the Central Valley's landscape for migratory birds where and when they need it most.
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Migratory Bird Conservation Partnership
Protect, restore, and enhance critical migratory bird habitat in California to support healthy bird populations along the Pacific Flyway.
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A Grasshopper Sparrow perches on a leafy branch, singing with its beak open. The small bird has a streaked brown and tan body with a hint of yellow on its wing, set against an out of focus, green background.
Audubon Conservation Ranching in California
To protect and restore vital grassland habitat for declining bird species while supporting sustainable ranching practices that benefit people, wildlife, and the environment.
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Saving the Iconic Tricolored Blackbirds of California's Central Valley
To protect and restore Tricolored Blackbird populations by working with private landowners, conservationists, and agencies to create and sustain critical breeding habitats.
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