Birding bulletin newsboard: November 2019

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Fwd: GBT Going National

Plugging for grassland habitats, a critical need...

"Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature." --Friedrich Nietzsche

-----Original Message-----
From: Grassland Bird Trust <info@grasslandbirdtrust.org>
To: Peter <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Nov 19, 2019 9:37 am
Subject: GBT Going National

11/19/2019 eNews

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NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS -
VISION & TAKEAWAYS FROM RALLY 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 are second only to forests in their ability to capture and store carbon. We need to conserve and restore 1.7 million acres of grassland a year to achieve the carbon limits set by the Paris Climate Agreement.

That's why GBT is embarking on an ambitious plan to greatly expand grassland conservation across the U.S. by forging strategic partnerships with government agencies, other land trusts, organizations and stakeholders across the country.

"We're working to build a national coalition for grassland conservation," said Laurie LaFond, GBT's Executive Director. "We spoke to potential partners at RALLY and there's a lot of interest. We're already scheduling meetings."

She said GBT plans to continue to acquire and permanently protect more critical grassland habitat. They are also developing new conservation tools for landowners and companies who want to help conserve birds.

PHOTO: GBT Board Member Paloma Spina (left), Board Secretary Scott Pulver (middle) and Executive Director Laurie LaFond (right) joined nearly 2,000 of their colleagues at RALLY in October. They came away inspired to take GBT's conservation program to the next level!

Special thanks to Connie Hasko for donating air miles and hotel points so Scott could attend, and to Paloma for donating her air miles to GBT!

3 BILLION BIRDS LOST

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 the largest declines. Feral and free-roaming domestic cats kill 2 billion birds a year, while collisions with glass, buildings and other structures and widespread use of pesticides kill hundreds of millions more.

"The story is not over," said coauthor Michael Parr, president of American Bird Conservancy. "There are so many ways to help save birds."

Parr said policy decisions such as strengthening the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are needed. "We can also work to ban harmful pesticides and properly fund effective bird conservation programs. Each of us can make a difference with everyday actions that together can save the lives of millions of birds... like making windows safer for birds, keeping cats indoors and protecting habitat."

LEARN MORE HERE

Your donation of $25 or more will automatically renew your membership for the year. Benefits include FREE guided bird walks, owl tours and discounted admission to Winter Raptor Fest!

UPCOMING EVENTS

BUY ONE GET ONE
Winter Raptor Fest
VIP Passes!!

Makes a great holiday gift for family and friends!
Friday, 11/29 & Monday, 12/2

ONLINE ONLY

Be on the lookout for a special e-blast with a link to this great deal the week of Thanksgiving!!

GBT joins the 2nd Annual
Adirondack Christkindlmarkt

Friday December 6th: 3pm-9pm
Saturday December 7th: 11am - 9pm
Sunday December 8th: 10am - 4pm

Come find our booth and decorate owl ornaments at this family fun outdoor European styled Christmas Market. Featuring close to 50 vendors to shop from, horse drawn carriage rides, Mr.& Mrs. Claus, entertainment, children's activities, food vendors and traditional hot gluhwein (hot mulled wine).

LEARN MORE HERE