On a crisp spring morning at Avenales Ranch in San Luis Obispo, ranchers, conservationists, and local community members of Audubon’s Conservation Ranching (ACR) program gathered to experience the beauty of California’s rangelands. Attendees strolled through fields of native plants while spotting acorn woodpeckers and purple martins, guided by Audubon staff and ecology experts who explained the vital connection between conservation-driven land management and thriving bird habitats. After the tour, participants shared stories over hamburgers made with bird-friendly beef from the ranch itself, illustrating how every bite can support healthy ecosystems. Moments like these—where curiosity meets conservation—define the heart of the ACR program and its mission to unite people, birds, agriculture, and the landscapes they call home.

Threats and Challenges 

While California’s rangelands are undeniably beautiful, these ecosystems face mounting threats that challenge their long-term health and productivity. Drought, intensified by climate change, continues to strain water resources critical for both wildlife and agriculture. Habitat loss from urban expansion and invasive plant species further diminishes the availability of native grasslands that many birds and other wildlife depend on. Additionally, the cyclical demands of agriculture, such as overgrazing and soil degradation, can disrupt the delicate balance needed to maintain these diverse landscapes. The ACR program tackles these challenges head-on by promoting grazing practices that benefit both birds and the people who steward the land, demonstrating that thoughtful management can yield thriving ecosystems and resilient communities.

2024 Success

The ACR program advanced its mission by raising awareness, championing sustainable ranching practices, and creating opportunities for birds—and the people dedicated to their conservation—to come together. Here are some of the year’s standout achievements:

New staff, partnerships, and certifications

• This year ACR welcomed two new interns to the team, Jenna Inouye and Emely Vargas assisting in outreach, research, and rangeland management. Also joining the team was Payton Thomas as the NorCal Rangeland Ecologist. 
• Three new ranches in Alameda, Kern, and San Mateo Counties began their journey toward the Audubon bird-friendly certification. 
• Two ranches join the ranking of Audubon Bird-Friendly certified land: 3 Calhoun Sisters Ranch (150 acres) in Livermore, CA and Paicines Ranch (6,728 acres) in Paicines, CA. 
• Conducted visits to ranches in Pescadero and Mendocino, both working toward their certification. 
• Wrote eight letters of support for our partner organizations, including the California Rangeland Trust, to endorse their goals and missions.
• 21 ranches certified totaling over 180,000 acres of bird-friendly land! 

Breaking Bread and Activating Audubon Communities and Beyond (CA ACR hosted 5 events and participated in over 20 events across California, including):

• A Birding and BBQ event at Bobcat Ranch, in collaboration with Yolo Bird Alliance and Napa-Solana Audubon Chapter, featuring hamburgers from Orvis Ranch. 
• A Ranch Tour at Avenales Ranch in San Luis Obispo in partnership with Morro Coast Audubon Chapter, where attendees learned about native plants and bird habitats. Attendees also enjoyed hamburgers donated from Avenales Ranch.
• The Tower Bridge Festival in Sacramento, Heritage Fire Festival in Napa, and Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival where beef from ACR-certified ranches was served to over 2,000 attendees. 
• Celebrated the certification of the 3 Calhoun Sisters Ranch in Livermore, CA in collaboration with the Ohlone Audubon Chapter and other community partners with a ranch tour and tasting event attended by over 50 community members. 
• Partnered with Fresno Audubon Society and the Sierra Foothills Conservancy for a BioBlitz at Mckenzie Preserve as a featured event of California’s Biodiversity Day attended by 40 guests. 
• This year Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly ranches sourced a total of 315 lbs of beef for ACR-involved workshops, events, and food festivals!

Educational Opportunities and Expanding Visibility

• Presented at major gatherings, including the California Resource Conservation District Conference, where ACR staff hosted its first-ever panel with partners from Alameda and Yolo Resource Conservation Districts, and bird-friendly landowners. 
• Conducted educational sessions with groups such as the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, Tomkat Ranch Educational Foundation, and National Women in Agriculture Association. 
• An Oak Regeneration Workshop at Bobcat Ranch with 35 participants.
• ACR made its magazine debut in the Fall Edition of Edible Sacramento, spotlighting sustainable ranching practices and the value of bird-friendly beef. 
• Hosted outreach stations at events like White Buffalo Land Trust Open House and California Rangeland Conservation Coalition Summit. 
• Partnered with BAWK! By Urban Roots to introduce an exclusive menu item featuring bird-friendly beef from Orvis Ranch.
• CA ACR staff gave many presentations throughout the year some spaces we’ve presented include Chico State University, Regenerative Meat Supply Chain webinar, Sacramento City College, and World Agriculture Expo. 
• Gathering insights: Distributed a survey to CA ACR-certified ranchers to assess their experiences and inform program improvements. 

The ACR program’s efforts in 2024 showcased the power of collaboration and innovation, fostering stronger connections with local communities and amplifying its impact on California’s grasslands and bird habitats.

Acknowledgment: We are deeply grateful to our supporters and partners, whose dedication and commitment are truly the wind beneath our wings. A special thank you to the Wildlife Conservation Board and all our generous funders for their vital contributions, which enable us to continue our mission of fostering landscapes for both wildlife and communities. Your unwavering support empowers us to make lasting impacts on California's rangelands and the birds that call them home.

Support: Want to support the ACR program? Keep an eye out for upcoming events and workshops through all California Audubon social platforms and website! You can also support our bird-friendly producers by making a purchase this holiday season. Every choice you make helps contribute to healthier landscapes and thriving ecosystems for both people and birds. 

Find your local ranchers and retail store here.