Audubon California’s Working Lands program collaborates with landowners and land stewards to restore and enhance native habitat by implementing adaptive management practices on farms, wetlands and other managed lands to support birds when and where they need it most.
Long ago, much of the Central Valley was covered by wetlands, but only 5% of those wetlands remain today. Despite this loss, the Central Valley’s managed wetlands and farmlands continue to provide crucial habitat for millions of birds.
In partnership with Audubon California, The Nature Conservancy, and Point Blue Conservation Science, this program incentivizes farmers and wetland managers to flood their fields at key times of the year to support migratory and resident birds.
Working Lands programs help birds thrive because of the land stewards and wetlands managers who dedicate their lands to birds. Their commitment doesn’t just provide local habitat—it strengthens a habitat network that spans the Pacific Flyway in the Central Valley and beyond.
By participating in BirdReturns and other Audubon-supported programs, these stewards create vital habitat for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, and places to nest and raise young for resident bird species, proving that working lands can provide big returns for wildlife and the enjoyment of people.
Seasonal Magic: Just Add Water to Create 60,000 Acres of Bird Habitat
Explore the Audubon-supported BirdReturns Program and support conservation efforts that benefit birds and people across the Central Valley.
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