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 red hill rises above sagebrush growing in a meadow.
Eagle Ridge Ranch
September 28, 2021 — Adapting to drought on an Audubon-certified ranch in Wyoming.
A fence runs through shortgrass prairie.
Reconciling Ranching and Conservation
January 11, 2021 — A rancher reflects upon the potential for holistic grazing to complement conservation.
Dusty Downey with cattle on the Downey Ranch.
Conservation Ranching During the Pandemic
August 19, 2020 — A Q&A with two ranchers about providing local food during a health crisis.
Adrienne Larrew and Dan Lorenz of Corner Post Meats.
Growing Success at Corner Post Meats
May 13, 2020 — How Audubon's Conservation Ranching Initiative has helped grow an exemplary mindful meats business.
A Horned Lark stands on the ground.
May Ranch
September 23, 2019 — An island of grass in a sea of developed land in southeast Colorado.