Short-eared owls have almost disappeared from New York State. Grassland Bird Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust conserving critical habitat for these owls and other threatened and at-risk grassland birds.
Conservation InitiativesOur MissionConserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened and rapidly declining grassland birds
LAND CONSERVATION
This area is critical to the survival of Short-eared owls in New York State. It supports 10 of eleven of NY's most imperiled grassland bird species and over 100 other bird and animal species.
PROTECTING BIRDS AT RISK
Wintering flocks of 40-50 Short-eared owls were once a commons sight in rural areas across the state. Now, there are less than 100 of these state endangered owls left in the wild.
EDUCATION
Field trips, youth programs and our annual Winter Raptor Fest educate people of all ages about our endangered and at-risk birds and critical habitat they depend on for their survival!
78Acres Owned & Managed
258Acres Conserved
700Million Grassland Birds Lost the past 50 years
Upcoming Events
Saturday January 25th, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Saturday March 14th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Saturday March 14th, 2020 at 4:00 pm
2020 WINTER BIRDING & OWL WATCHES
Grab your binoculars and join us in the Washington County Grasslands to look for Short-eared owls and other wintering raptors on this fun, guided tour. GBT’s Executive Director, Laurie LaFond and Volunteer Field Trip Leader, Rich Speidel will introduce you to the wonders of the grassland in Winter! Likely sightings include Short-eared owls, Rough-legged hawks, Red-tailed hawks, Northern harriers, Horned larks, Snow buntings and more! Snowy owls are always possible! FREE to Members Non Member Rates: $10.00 Individual or $20.00 Family ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call Rich Speidel at 518.623.2587 to secure your spot today. Space is limited. Make sure you…Recent News
Creating A Safe Place For Owls
October 22nd, 2019
Fort Edward, NY – GBT volunteer Mary-Beth Wagner supervised the planting of a dozen native trees at the AZS Viewing Area the last week in September. The evergreen trees, sited in consultation with DEC Wildlife Biologists, will provide a roost for wintering Short-eared owls and a windbreak for visitors to our viewing blind. Volunteers helped […]
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GBT Rocks the Washington County Fair
September 5th, 2019
GREENWICH, NY – Fair food, tractor pulls and farm animals drew large crowds to the Washington County Fair the week of August 19th – 25th. “The Big Push” Birthing Center was a hit as families gathered to see the live birthing of calves. Veterinarians were on call to help and a herdsperson catered to the cows […]
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2018 Owl Heroes Recognized at June 8th Field Day
September 5th, 2019
FORT EDWARD, NY – Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) Board Members and volunteers recognized Landowner Merrilyn Pulver, New York State Senator Betty Little and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner as OWL HEROES at our 1st Annual Grassland Bird Field Day in June for their contributions to grassland bird conservation in New York State. Pulver received the award for […]
Read MoreThis grassland has tremendous ecological value, protecting an important habitat. And there’s a tourism value as well as this bird habitat attracts more visitors each year.”
– Senator Betty Little
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