Birds and Watersheds in Vermont

Our Goals

Improving the health and resilience of riparian and upland habitat across Vermont for the benefit of birds.

What We’re Doing

Working collaboratively with landowners and conservation partners to enhance bird habitats, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

A Louisiana Waterthrush perched atop a mossy rock next to two yellow flowers.

We know that healthy, climate-resilient watersheds benefit birds, people, and the planet. Many birds and other wildlife depend on quality, connected riparian buffer habitat for shelter, foraging, and breeding. These vegetated strips of land adjacent to streams, lakes, and wetlands act as natural barriers between waterways and surrounding lands. 51�� works collaboratively with landowners and conservation partners along Vermont’s waterways to restore riparian buffers. We remove invasive plants and replace them with native trees and shrubs to create quality bird habitat and support healthy, resilient stream ecosystems.

Natural Solutions

Riparian Buffers

A male Yellow Warbler singing from his perch amount spiky flowers.

Provide vital terrestrial and aquatic habitat for American Woodcock, Belted Kingfishers, Golden-winged Warblers, Yellow Warblers, Wood Turtles, Brook Trout, and other wildlife.
Control erosion and stabilize riverbanks with native trees and shrubs including willows, dogwoods, elderberry, serviceberry, maples, and oaks.
Increase flood resiliency by giving flood waters space to spread out and slow down.
Reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by storing it in the soil and plants.
Filter out pollutants and sediment from runoff before it reaches waterways.

Program Contacts