Working Lands

New York’s forest birds are facing significant population declines. Your land can help.

Cerulean Warbler. Photo: Gary Robinette/Audubon Photography Awards

Forest birds are in significant decline. This tells us we have a habitat problem.

Wood Thrush, American Woodcock, and Golden-winged Warblers depend on healthy, diverse forest types to thrive, and their low numbers are ringing the alarm bell. New York is nearly 70% forested, but we’re losing quality habitat. Since our forests are also critical to improving water quality and mitigating the effects of climate change, this issue affects people too.

Let’s work together to improve your woods for birds and other wildlife.

Are you a forest owner actively managing your land within a priority forest area? Click here to fill out our Landowners Assistance Form! Our forest staff will do our best to get back to you in 2-3 weeks. 

Watch and learn!

Healthy Forests
Healthy Forests

Healthy Forests

Learn more about why healthy New York forests are essential for birds and people.

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Forest Resource Center
Working Lands

Forest Resource Center

Free resources for foresters and landowners. Start here and take steps to improve forest habitat for birds, other wildlife, recreation, and more.

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Public Workshops and Programs
Working Lands

Public Workshops and Programs

Join us! Attend free workshops and other programs with Audubon and partners to learn best management practices for birds.

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Bird-Friendly Maple
Working Lands

Bird-Friendly Maple

A collaborative conservation project that aims to sweeten sugarbush habitat for songbirds.

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News & Updates

Five Forest-dependent Birds that Return in Early Spring
Conservation

Five Forest-dependent Birds that Return in Early Spring

Learn about each species and what you can do to improve forest habitat.

New York's First Maple Producers Receive Bird-Friendly Recognition
Press Room

New York's First Maple Producers Receive Bird-Friendly Recognition

Syrup from Bird-Friendly Maple producers is good for birds, and your breakfast table!

International Day of Forests, For the Birds!
Healthy Forests

International Day of Forests, For the Birds!

2022's theme is "Forests and sustainable production and consumption."

Audubon Staff Win New York Forestry Award
News

Audubon Staff Win New York Forestry Award

Newly-launched forester endorsement program is recognized for teaching bird-friendly management practices.

Salem, NY Maple Producer Makes Syrup and Bird Habitat
Working Lands

Salem, NY Maple Producer Makes Syrup and Bird Habitat

Mapleland Farms is one of the first Bird-Friendly Maple producers in the state.

Who's Making Bird-Friendly Maple Syrup in New York?
Working Lands

Who's Making Bird-Friendly Maple Syrup in New York?

List of producers managing their forests to benefit birds. Note that some are smaller/family operations, so contact them before visiting!

Forest Birds That Nest in the Off-Season
Healthy Forests

Forest Birds That Nest in the Off-Season

Meet several species that prefer to breed outside of spring and early summer.

Why You Should Plan Your Harvest for Winter
Healthy Forests

Why You Should Plan Your Harvest for Winter

Forest management is easier, safer, and better for birds in the non-breeding season.

How Wild Turkeys Made a 49 State Comeback
Healthy Forests

How Wild Turkeys Made a 49 State Comeback

Once, the Wild Turkey vanished from New York. Then it became a conservation success story.

How one of New York's largest landowners manages forests for birds
News

How one of New York's largest landowners manages forests for birds

Birds that nest in young forest, like the Ruffed Grouse and White-throated Sparrow, now have a home at the Kunjamuk Young Forest Demonstration Project.