Grassland Bird Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust conserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened and at-risk grassland birds. We’ve lost 700 million grassland birds since 1970!
Conservation InitiativesOur MissionConserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened and rapidly declining grassland birds
Conserving Land
Grasslands are the fastest disappearing habitat in North America. Grassland birds eat insects and rodents that damage crops. They share their habitat with bees and butterflies that pollinate fruits, vegetables, hay and other crops.
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Preserving Biodiversity
Conserved grasslands protect endangered and threatened birds like Short-eared owls, Upland sandpipers and meadowlarks. They also provide important habitat for over 100 other bird and wildlife species, including thousands of pollinators!
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Mitigating Climate Change
Grasses filter carbon out of the air and store it underground in their roots or the soil. Unlike forests, the majority of the carbon is not released if the grasses catch fire, making them better able to withstand climate change.
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700Million Grassland Birds Lost the past 50 years
258Acres Conserved
78Acres Owned & Managed
Upcoming Events
When: September 25, 2021 at 10 am EST - outdoors rain or shine!
Where: Chestnut Ridge Farm (90 County Route 60 Cambridge, NY 12816)
Cost: Free for members! If you are not a member, purchase a 1-year GBT membership for $25 to RSVP for the event.
Where: Chestnut Ridge Farm (90 County Route 60 Cambridge, NY 12816)
Cost: Free for members! If you are not a member, purchase a 1-year GBT membership for $25 to RSVP for the event.
Back to School ... for Birders!
Get ready for GBT’s next event! Whether you are a beginning birder or an eagle-eyed expert, improve your birding skills with one of New York State’s leading ecologists. Retired DEC Chief Ecologist and artist Steve Sanford will delve into the science of birding and bird behavior. He will provide tips on how to identify birds both by eye and ear (Steve relies on his ears 80% of the time.) He’ll also give advice about how to make the best use of your feeders. And there will be a test! (Just for fun at the end.)
Following Steve’s talk in a beautifully renovated 19th Century barn, there will be a chance (weather permitting) to take a one hour walk with Steve across Chestnut Ridge Farm’s breathtaking landscape.
Fun, food, and friends (both new and old, feathered and otherwise) will be provided.
Join us as we learn more about the world right here in our own neighborhoods.
Reserve now as space is limited. Donations for our fine feathered friends always welcome in person or at check-out (the option to donate is always available).
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January 2022
Embark on a Costa Rican BIRDING Adventure with Grassland Bird Trust!
Join Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) on an incredible journey to the TOP BIRDING DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA!
GBT trip leaders Laurie LaFond, Executive Director, and Paloma Spina, Board Director, will take you on this exclusive guided tour led by Greentique Birding certified guides. We’ll see hundreds of native bird and mammal species, including Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, Orange-bellied Trogon, Yellow-throated Toucan, Fiery-billed Aracari, Baird’s Tapir, Spider monkey and more!
MEET the birds at eye level on a Canopy Tour, WALK the Cloud Forest at night, VISIT an active volcano and more! Stay at first class eco-lodges and indulge in exquisite chef-prepared meals guilt-free, knowing your trip benefits GBT’s work to conserve critical habitat for endangered and threatened grassland birds AND supports sustainable tourism, the nature preserves and the operation of a Macaw Sanctuary/ Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica.
Greentique is a recognized leader in sustainable hospitality and travel in Costa Rica, ensuring we’ll have a dynamic and unique travel experience!
A portion of your trip fee may be tax deductible – check with Paloma for details (pspina@grasslandbirdtrust.org).
More info and detailsCheck Out Our Annual Newsletter!
Grassland Bird News is a free publication that discusses our work to expand conservation of critical habitats for endangered and rapidly vanishing grassland birds. Check it out!
Discover the Digital Flipbook!Recent News
Solar Agreement to Benefit Grassland Birds
August 22nd, 2021
Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) signed an agreement in May to lease 44 acres of GBT’s land to Eden Renewables, a developer of pollinator-friendly, biodiverse community solar farms based in Troy, NY, for the next 20 years. With GBT’s help, Eden will maintain this land for the sole purpose of maximizing its value as habitat for […]
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GBT Fundraising Updates
August 22nd, 2021
Anonymous Donation Boosts Conservation Fund! Our heartfelt thanks to a very special member who recently sent an anonymous donation of $10,000 to support GBT’s conservation work! Your generous donation is greatly appreciated both by us and by the beautiful birds whom you are helping to keep alive in our region. Brooklyn Bird Club Raises $11K […]
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Global Big Day 2021 at Hicks Orchard Raised $5,000 for Grassland Bird Trust
June 3rd, 2021
On May 8, 2021, friends of Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) gathered at Hicks Orchard to participate in Global Big Day, a worldwide event where bird-lovers reported bird observations to eBird during the peak of spring bird migration. Our event was just one of many that contributed to a world-record-setting day! There were 51,800 people spanning 192 countries […]
Read More“We commend GBT’s dedication to the conservation of New York’s wildlife heritage.”
– New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
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