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
Black Friday & Cyber Monday BOGO for Winter Raptor Fest VIP Reserved Seating
November 26th, 2019
BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY ONLY – Friday November 29th & Monday December 2nd, 2019 BUY ONE GET ONE VIP Passes includes admission and reserved front row seating! Meet native owls, hawks and falcons up close and see these amazing raptors in flight at Grassland Bird Trust’s 10th annual Winter Raptor Fest! Event returns to […]
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3 BILLION BIRDS LOST
November 19th, 2019
The U.S. and Canada have lost more than 2.9 billion birds since 1970, according to a Cornell Lab of Ornithology and American Bird Conservancy report. Grassland bird species suffered the steepest declines, losing 53% of their population, or more than 720 million birds! Widespread loss and degradation of habitat from agricultural intensification and urbanization caused […]
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Natural Climate Solutions – Vision & Takeaways from RALLY 2019
November 19th, 2019
RALLY is the annual National Land Trust Conference, held this year in Raleigh, N.C., where Land Trust staff and board members from across the U.S. gather to learn about diverse topics, share their knowledge and gain the skills they need to grow their mission. Grasslands are the fastest disappearing habitat in the U.S. Yet they […]
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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