
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is helping America’s birds

It’s not your imagination, there are fewer birds than there used to be. In fact, there are more than 3 billion fewer birds in the skies than in 1970.
We can help prevent species loss by preserving habitat for birds across the country by creating and expanding national wildlife refuges and other protected habitat areas. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has invested in landscapes across the country that protect bird habitat, flyways and provide excellent bird watching opportunities.
Check out some of our favorite LWCF-funded projects that protect important areas for our feathered friends.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
In response to the near-decimation of many bird species, President Thedore Roosevelt established our first federal bird reservation in 1903. With this act, the National Wildlife Refuge System was created. Over $22.5 million of investments from the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped protect the refuge’s extensive mangrove ecosystem that supports various bird rookeries and other wildlife along Indian River Lagoon. More than 140 species of birds use the Refuge as a nesting, roosting, feeding, or loafing area.

Photo by LWCF coalition | Used by permission
San Pedro River Ecosystem, Arizona
The San Pedro River flows 140 miles north to its confluence with the Gila River. It is the last major, undammed desert river in the southwest and is of major ecological importance as it hosts two thirds of the avian diversity in the U.S., including 100 species of breeding birds and almost 300 species of migrating birds. An investment from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Forest Legacy Program protected 600 acres along the San Pedro River through a permanent conservation easement, adding critical protected land to the larger river conservation effort.

Photo by LWCF coalition | Used by permission
Carlsbad-Buena Vista Lagoon, California
The only freshwater lagoon in California, Buena Vista Lagoon is home to a wide variety of waterfowl. Thanks to an investment of $525 thousand from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, 130 acres were acquired and permanently protected. Now the Lagoon stands at 350 acres, and the ecological preserve maintains a healthy habitat for its many unique species. Additionally, the preserve hosts a nature center in partnership with the Audubon Society, where visitors can learn more about the resident and migratory birds.

Photo by LWCF Coalition | Used by permission
Stewart McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Connecticut
Connecticut’s Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect migratory bird habitat along Long Island Sound. In addition to habitat protection, the refuge now provides opportunities for bird watching, scientific research, and environmental education. Investments of over $21.6 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund have proven critical to the refuge’s conservation efforts.

Photo by LWCF coalition | Used by permission