Landowner Stewardship Program

What's New

Imperial Valley Landowner Stewardship Program

Morgan West – Site with water. Willows are visible in the standing water

Audubon California’s highly successful Landowner Stewardship Program expanded its work to the Imperial Valley in 2005. Habitat restoration projects are currently being implemented on six different sites totaling over 870 acres. Designed for farmers and ranchers, the program’s goal is to work with land owners to conserve and restore wildlife habitat while remaining compatible with the existing agricultural operations on the farmer’s fields.

Morgan East – Students from Brawley Union High School’s Environmental Science Class work at planting trees.

Not only is Imperial Valley’s 500,000 acres of irrigated farm land one of the most intensely farmed areas in the nation, it is also considered one of the most important bird areas in the United States. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the area. In many instances, the majority of the worldwide population of several species, such as the Eared Grebes (up to 3 million birds – one of the largest concentrations in the world), Ross’ Goose (2000+ each winter – top 5 wintering areas in the world), White-faced Ibis (30% of global population) and Long-billed Curlew (20% of global population) depends on the Imperial Valley during their yearly migration. The burrowing owl, a state species of concern and year-round resident of Imperial Valley, accounts for 70% of California’s entire population..

Seaview Conservancy – A myriad of bird species are seen feeding and loafing in the north pond which is similar to a saline habitat complex being planned as one of the more important components of the Salton Sea Restoration plan.

In many ways, the southern end of the Salton Sea acts as an extension of the Gulf of California, and large numbers of pelicans and other piscivorous birds have gathered here by the thousands. Seabird colonies on islands here include one of the few breeding populations of the rare Van Rossem race of the Gull-billed Tern, which forages in nearby farm fields of the Imperial Valley.

The Landowner Stewardship Program, with help from the Imperial County Farm Bureau, began operations in the Imperial Valley in 2005. The local Farm Bureau’s award winning Silt Total Maximum Daily Load Voluntary Compliance Program, which educates farmers on how to reduce nutrient rich silt leaving their farm fields and entering the Salton Sea, is a perfect venue to reach all the farmers in the Imperial Valley during their Total Maximum Daily Load annual drainshed meetings and find new cooperators for the Landowner Stewardship Program.

Hoskins Site – Calexico High School FFA students install a burrowing owl box.

On three riverine habitat projects non-native invasive tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) have been removed and native trees and shrubs, including a high population of willow and native mesquite trees, are being planted to enhance the area around the farmer’s fields. One of the projects will include over three acres of native saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) when the project is completed.

Robert Thomas/Mt. Signal Property – Wheat, sudangrass, and milo is visible in this photo of the 625 acre property. The 75 foot high athel tree windbreak is seen in the background.

The Imperial Valley Landowner Stewardship Program is also working to restore 80 acres of critical wetlands adjacent to the Salton Sea and Sonny Bonno Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Recent water transfers from the Imperial Valley, to urban areas in California, are putting the Salton Sea at risk so it is important that wetland projects next to the Salton Sea are maintained for maximum year-round habitat.

Near Mount Signal, locatedin the Southwestern corner of the Imperial Valley, next to the Mexican border, Audubon restorationists are working to increase native habitat on a 650 acre ranch which borders the desert. Currently plans are being developed for 11 acres of hedgerow plantings of native trees and shrub.

T.M.D.C. Site – Site of future hedgerow where salt cedar will be removed from existing honey mesquite and more native trees and shrubs planted.

These are exciting times for Audubon’s Landowner Stewardship Program Imperial Valley and the number of farmers wanting to participate in the program is increasing every week. To contribute to the program or more information see http://ca.audubon.org/lsp or call Al Kalin at (760) 455-1399.

Audubon presents native perennial grassland restoration and research results at recent Society for Conservation Biology Conference in South Africa

Download 1.37 MB PDF

farmlands from the air

How do birds respond to wetland restoration?
Roosevelt Ranch comprises approximately 2,800 acres of wetlands, rice fields, upland alfalfa and fallowed fields. Since 2005 approximately 1,800 acres have been restored to seasonal wetlands and canals that are flooded between September and May. An additional 105 acres of permanent ponds have also been created. Within these seasonal wetlands and ponds, low islands have been planted with over 150,000 riparian trees. Audubon’s Landowner Stewardship Program is working with the landowner to measure how this restoration provides valuable breeding, wintering, and migratory habitat at species diversity and abundance levels at a local and landscape scale.

almond grove

Just A Handful a Day: Almonds and Restoration
California is the world’s largest producer of Almonds, producing up to one billion pounds each year for domestic and international use. Almonds are in ever increasing demand due to their healthy nutritional properties. Growers in Colusa County want to do more and we have teamed with the Colusa Resource Conservation District and Community Alliance with Family Farmers to begin creating sustainable best management practices and creek restoration projects in almond orchards to increase pollinators, wildlife habitat and improve water quality.

bee sign

Saving Native Pollinators
Bee populations are headline news due to rapid population declines and the associated threats to pollinator dependent agriculture around the country. Audubon is working with the Xerces Society and Center for Land-Based Learning to restore habitat for native pollinators that have been shown to provide similar pollination services as European honey bees. To meet this need, we are working with landowners to provide a diverse buffet of flowering plants that are attractive to native bees. Nest blocks and large areas of consistently untilled soil ensure that native bees can flourish. Funding for this work has been generously provided by the CS Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

	Achievements '06 - '07 Annual Report '05 - '06 Annual Report Brochure (2.5MB pdf)	What's New Imperial Valley Landowner Stewardship Program Morgan West – Site with water. Willows are visible in the standing water Audubon California’s highly successful Landowner Stewardship Program expanded its work to the Imperial Valley in 2005. Habitat restoration projects are currently being implemented on six different sites totaling over 870 acres. Designed for farmers and ranchers, the program’s goal is to work with land owners to conserve and restore wildlife habitat while remaining compatible with the existing agricultural operations on the farmer’s fields. Morgan East – Students from Brawley Union High School’s Environmental Science Class work at planting trees. Not only is Imperial Valley’s 500,000 acres of irrigated farm land one of the most intensely farmed areas in the nation, it is also considered one of the most important bird areas in the United States. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the area. In many instances, the majority of the worldwide population of several species, such as the Eared Grebes (up to 3 million birds – one of the largest concentrations in the world), Ross’ Goose (2000+ each winter – top 5 wintering areas in the world), White-faced Ibis (30% of global population) and Long-billed Curlew (20% of global population) depends on the Imperial Valley during their yearly migration. The burrowing owl, a state species of concern and year-round resident of Imperial Valley, accounts for 70% of California’s entire population.. Seaview Conservancy – A myriad of bird species are seen feeding and loafing in the north pond which is similar to a saline habitat complex being planned as one of the more important components of the Salton Sea Restoration plan. In many ways, the southern end of the Salton Sea acts as an extension of the Gulf of California, and large numbers of pelicans and other piscivorous birds have gathered here by the thousands. Seabird colonies on islands here include one of the few breeding populations of the rare Van Rossem race of the Gull-billed Tern, which forages in nearby farm fields of the Imperial Valley. The Landowner Stewardship Program, with help from the Imperial County Farm Bureau, began operations in the Imperial Valley in 2005. The local Farm Bureau’s award winning Silt Total Maximum Daily Load Voluntary Compliance Program, which educates farmers on how to reduce nutrient rich silt leaving their farm fields and entering the Salton Sea, is a perfect venue to reach all the farmers in the Imperial Valley during their Total Maximum Daily Load annual drainshed meetings and find new cooperators for the Landowner Stewardship Program. Hoskins Site – Calexico High School FFA students install a burrowing owl box. On three riverine habitat projects non-native invasive tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) have been removed and native trees and shrubs, including a high population of willow and native mesquite trees, are being planted to enhance the area around the farmer’s fields. One of the projects will include over three acres of native saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) when the project is completed. Robert Thomas/Mt. Signal Property – Wheat, sudangrass, and milo is visible in this photo of the 625 acre property. The 75 foot high athel tree windbreak is seen in the background. The Imperial Valley Landowner Stewardship Program is also working to restore 80 acres of critical wetlands adjacent to the Salton Sea and Sonny Bonno Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Recent water transfers from the Imperial Valley, to urban areas in California, are putting the Salton Sea at risk so it is important that wetland projects next to the Salton Sea are maintained for maximum year-round habitat. Near Mount Signal, locatedin the Southwestern corner of the Imperial Valley, next to the Mexican border, Audubon restorationists are working to increase native habitat on a 650 acre ranch which borders the desert. Currently plans are being developed for 11 acres of hedgerow plantings of native trees and shrub. T.M.D.C. Site – Site of future hedgerow where salt cedar will be removed from existing honey mesquite and more native trees and shrubs planted. These are exciting times for Audubon’s Landowner Stewardship Program Imperial Valley and the number of farmers wanting to participate in the program is increasing every week. To contribute to the program or more information see http://ca.audubon.org/lsp or call Al Kalin at (760) 455-1399. Audubon presents native perennial grassland restoration and research results at recent Society for Conservation Biology Conference in South Africa Download 1.37 MB PDF How do birds respond to wetland restoration? Roosevelt Ranch comprises approximately 2,800 acres of wetlands, rice fields, upland alfalfa and fallowed fields. Since 2005 approximately 1,800 acres have been restored to seasonal wetlands and canals that are flooded between September and May. An additional 105 acres of permanent ponds have also been created. Within these seasonal wetlands and ponds, low islands have been planted with over 150,000 riparian trees. Audubon’s Landowner Stewardship Program is working with the landowner to measure how this restoration provides valuable breeding, wintering, and migratory habitat at species diversity and abundance levels at a local and landscape scale. Just A Handful a Day: Almonds and Restoration California is the world’s largest producer of Almonds, producing up to one billion pounds each year for domestic and international use. Almonds are in ever increasing demand due to their healthy nutritional properties. Growers in Colusa County want to do more and we have teamed with the Colusa Resource Conservation District and Community Alliance with Family Farmers to begin creating sustainable best management practices and creek restoration projects in almond orchards to increase pollinators, wildlife habitat and improve water quality. Saving Native Pollinators Bee populations are headline news due to rapid population declines and the associated threats to pollinator dependent agriculture around the country. Audubon is working with the Xerces Society and Center for Land-Based Learning to restore habitat for native pollinators that have been shown to provide similar pollination services as European honey bees. To meet this need, we are working with landowners to provide a diverse buffet of flowering plants that are attractive to native bees. Nest blocks and large areas of consistently untilled soil ensure that native bees can flourish. Funding for this work has been generously provided by the CS Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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