Conservation Ranching in the Rockies

Our Goals
Stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers.
What We’re Doing
Working with landowners to support better bird habitat.
Greater Sage-Grouse display at sunrise in front of a herd of cattle.

North America's grasslands are among the most imperiled ecosystems in the world. America’s grassland birds have declined more than any other bird group in the continent, some species by as much as 80 percent. Because the vast majority breed on private lands, working with ranchers is our best hope for conserving them.

A wildlife habitat initiative of the National Audubon Society with a unique market connection, Audubon Conservation Ranching aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers. Audubon Conservation Ranching’s enrollment includes more than 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres that have earned status as Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Land. Incentivizing this habitat work for birds and biodiversity are consumers with an appetite for conservation, who support it by purchasing products grazed on these lands. Shoppers see a special package designation – the Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly seal – that sets these products apart. For more information, visit www.audubon.org/ranching.

News
A young woman stands in a pasture with stalks of grass in her hands.
Coming Home
October 13, 2023 — Whether you’re a young rancher or a rare bird, Parker Pastures is a great place to call home.
A soil sensor on a post surrounded by cattle fencing in a pasture.
Sensing the Soil
August 18, 2023 — Soil moisture sensors installed on seven Audubon-certified Ranches in Colorado.
Cattle graze in a pasture below dry slopes.
Experimenting Today to Save Tomorrow’s Soils
March 01, 2023 — Seven Audubon-certified ranches are testing ways to improve soil health through Colorado’s new STAR Plus program.
Two people kneel in a dry field.
Soil Restoration at Rafter W Ranch
October 27, 2022 — Enhancing soil health to increase drought resilience on an Audubon Certified Ranch in eastern Colorado.
Western Meadowlark carrying insects perched on a fence post.
Habitat Management Assistance for Western Wyoming Ranchers
July 20, 2022 — Audubon Rockies receives grant to expand Conservation Ranching Initiative.