For Consumers and Conservationists: FAQs on Conservation Ranching
Learn more about what conservation ranching is, and why it can be good for birds and the environment
51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Conservation Ranching
Working with landowners to support better bird habitat.
Bobcat Ranch in Yolo County, California. Photo: Sydney Walsh/51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú
51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Certified Bird-Friendly Land
51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Conservation Ranching aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers.
Why farmers and ranchers? The majority of grassland birds–whose populations have declined by more than 40 percent in the last 50 years–inhabit privately owned land. This is where we scale our impact.
Landowners voluntarily enroll in our program, and when they meet requirements centering on habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, they earn the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Bird-Friendly Land certification. Nationwide, more than 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres have earned status as 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Certified Bird-Friendly Land.
Consumers with an appetite for conservation support these bird-friendly habitats. A special package designation – the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Certified Bird-Friendly seal – lets shoppers know which beef or bison products come from these lands managed for birds and biodiversity.
About 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Conservation Ranching
For Retailers and Institutions
Learn why you should carry products that meet the desires of your eco-conscious customers.
For Ranchers: FAQs on 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú's Conservation Ranching Initiative
Learn more about what conservation ranching means for ranchers.
Growing Bird-Friendly Grasslands
The Farm Bill helped 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’s Conservation Ranching program take flight. Now it’s helping it soar.
Our Team
Nat Miller
Senior Director, Wings Over Working Lands
Christopher Wilson
Program Director, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Conservation Ranching
Anthony Hauck
Communications Director, Wings Over Working Lands
Thomas Schroeder
Senior Partnerships Manager, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Conservation Ranching
William Walker VI
Senior Business Development Manager, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Conservation Ranching
Margo Rosenbaum
Communications Associate, Wings Over Working Lands
Bringing Bird-Friendly Ranching to the Southwest
June 10, 2026 —
Meet 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú's New Working Lands team in Arizona and New Mexico
Mountain Island Ranch Now 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Certified Bird-Friendly Across 76,000 Acres
June 04, 2026 —
Colorado & Utah ranch recognized for conservation leadership and bird-friendly grazing practices
Missouri’s Horstmann Cattle Company Earns 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’s Bird-Friendly Land Certification
April 29, 2026 —
Regenerative grazing creates critical habitat for grassland birds
51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú to Expand Rancher-Powered Conservation for Birds Across 500,000 Grassland Acres
April 07, 2026 —
NFWF investment will scale regenerative grazing practices to the benefit of grassland birds
Ranch Profile: Rafter W Ranch
Ranchers Lance and Lisa Wheeler provide habitat for more than three dozen bird species at their 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Certified Bird-Friendly ranch in Simla, Colorado.
Read about Rafter W Ranch
Get 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú in Your Inbox
Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news.
