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Did you know that Saturday, May 8 was International Migratory Bird Day? Don’t worry if you missed it; migratory birds spend a lot of their life on the move, so there is still time to join the party!

The event celebrates one of the natural world’s most remarkable phenomena: the movement of literally billions of birds each year across vast distances around the globe. Migrating birds travel many thousands of miles from winter to summer range, covering hundreds of miles per day, often over large stretches of open water. Birds migrate during the day and night, using the sun, the stars, and even Earth’s magnetic field to guide their way. During their journeys, birds endure extreme weather, predators, and other hazards, but the greatest risk they face is loss of habitat needed for food, water, shelter, and rest.

American Land Conservancy has a long history of protecting migratory bird habitat. Along the Mississippi Flyway, used by 40% of North American migrating waterfowl, ALC conserves and restores wetlands and native forests, which are particularly important to migratory birds. According to Jenny Frazier, Mississippi River Program Director, “neotropical and other migrants require reliable high-energy food sources as well as protection from predators this time of year. The places we’ve conserved along the river provide both.”

ALC also conserves critical habitat along the Pacific Flyway through its Central Valley and Foothills program. Sixty percent of birds on this flyway pass through California’s Central Valley, where substantial habitat has already been lost. “The Central Valley has faced many environmental pressures since the Gold Rush, including the growth of agriculture and loss of wetlands due to flood control projects,” said Program Manager Edward Stanton. “Migratory birds have been impacted by all of these, so it’s critical that we conserve intact landscapes where they remain, and to enhance or expand habitats where feasible.”

As these beautiful, resilient creatures wing their way north again this spring, we hope you’ll join us in protecting the places they depend on to survive their amazing journey.

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May 2010
Like you, all of us at ALC are extremely concerned and appalled by the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the unfolding destruction of wildlife, habitat, and fisheries. Sadly, this is not the first time our country has witnessed such a tragedy. Images of oil-stained waters and shorelines in the Gulf evoke vivid memories of the devastation of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, where 21 years later, some species are still struggling to recover. ALC’s work in the Kodiak Archipelago focuses on protection of still-pristine habitat that supports the recovery of species injured by the spill. Will the same be necessary – or possible – for species in the Gulf? ALC has worked along the Mississippi River since 1993, protecting endangered species habitat, wetlands, side channels, and native forests. That work has helped restore healthy river function in the middle river, and has also indirectly benefited the Gulf, by helping to reduce hypoxia and by protecting critical habitat for fish, migratory birds, and other wildlife found along the length of the Mississippi. We do not yet know the specific long-term impacts this disaster will have on wildlife habitats and species in the Gulf and upriver. We do know that in any scenario, it will be important to continue to conserve vital habitat upstream to ensure that some parts of the river and its wildlife have the best possible chance for recovery. It is also essential that short- and long-term recovery efforts and funding are sufficient to fully restore the Gulf and help those whose livelihoods have been impacted by this disaster. ALC stands by, ready to lend expertise or resources where they are needed. In the meantime, our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by this terrible tragedy. Kerry O'Toole, President American Land Conservancy	On April 19th, ALC’s tenacious, passionate, and visionary founder, Harriet Burgess, passed away, leaving a world far better for her having been in it, and a conservation legacy few will ever match. For Harriet, there was no higher calling than protecting the land, and the astounding 480,000 acres she conserved during her lifetime is testament to her dedication. We are all deeply saddened by her loss. We invite you to learn more about Harriet explore the places she protected, and hear from the conservation leaders, members of Congress, and others who had the privilege of working with her. You can also help continue the work of this extraordinary woman through the Harriet Burgess Conservation Legacy Fund. ALC is proud to carry on Harriet’s work, inspired daily by her core belief: “The land we save is our legacy; it’s what future generations can cherish, thanks to our perseverance.” Thank you, Harriet -- your legacy endures.
Did you know that Saturday, May 8 was International Migratory Bird Day? Don’t worry if you missed it; migratory birds spend a lot of their life on the move, so there is still time to join the party! The event celebrates one of the natural world’s most remarkable phenomena: the movement of literally billions of birds each year across vast distances around the globe. Migrating birds travel many thousands of miles from winter to summer range, covering hundreds of miles per day, often over large stretches of open water. Birds migrate during the day and night, using the sun, the stars, and even Earth’s magnetic field to guide their way. During their journeys, birds endure extreme weather, predators, and other hazards, but the greatest risk they face is loss of habitat needed for food, water, shelter, and rest. American Land Conservancy has a long history of protecting migratory bird habitat. Along the Mississippi Flyway, used by 40% of North American migrating waterfowl, ALC conserves and restores wetlands and native forests, which are particularly important to migratory birds. According to Jenny Frazier, Mississippi River Program Director, “neotropical and other migrants require reliable high-energy food sources as well as protection from predators this time of year. The places we’ve conserved along the river provide both.” ALC also conserves critical habitat along the Pacific Flyway through its Central Valley and Foothills program. Sixty percent of birds on this flyway pass through California’s Central Valley, where substantial habitat has already been lost. “The Central Valley has faced many environmental pressures since the Gold Rush, including the growth of agriculture and loss of wetlands due to flood control projects,” said Program Manager Edward Stanton. “Migratory birds have been impacted by all of these, so it’s critical that we conserve intact landscapes where they remain, and to enhance or expand habitats where feasible.” As these beautiful, resilient creatures wing their way north again this spring, we hope you’ll join us in protecting the places they depend on to survive their amazing journey.	Donor Dollar$ at Work : Boyd Ranch in northeast Nevada is a 12,000-acre wildlife oasis, providing plentiful water and diverse habitats that are a critical resource for wildlife in an otherwise arid and unforgiving environment. This historic property was first homesteaded by the Boyd family in the 1870s and continues as a productive agricultural operation today. Situated along the Pacific Flyway, the ranch is an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area, providing habitat for more than 200 avian species. These include state-listed Species of Concern such as the white-faced ibis, snowy egret, black tern, bobolink, greater sandhill crane, and Swainson’s hawk. With your help, ALC, in partnership with Ranch Open Space of Nevada, is working with the Boyd Family to protect this outstanding property. “The Boyds are superb stewards of their land.” said ALC Chief Operating Officer Jim Elias, who has worked with the family since 2006. “Their ranch operation demonstrates that with careful management, wildlife habitat on agricultural land can not only be protected, but even enhanced.” The project is part of ALC's Great Basin Program and is slated for completion later this year. NAME THAT BIRD! Boyd Ranch provides habitat to 200 bird species, including the songbird above. Can you name it? Hint 1: Listen to its song. Hint 2: This is one of the few songbirds that undergo two complete molts each year. Correct answer at the end of this newsletter!
As the first hints of summer begin, it’s time to break away from the daily grind, put on the hiking boots, and get outside! There are lots of great places to visit, but we’d like to recommend one that is especially significant for ALC: Topanga Canyon, our first-ever project. In 1990, Topanga State Park and Topanga State Beach north of Los Angeles were separated by a 1,655-acre Topanga Canyon. Acquiring the parcel had been a priority for the state for more than 30 years, but it took Harriet Burgess and the newly-founded American Land Conservancy to finally get the job done. Today the canyon is part of Topanga State Park, the largest wildland in the world located entirely within the boundaries of a major city. The park has 36 miles of trails winding through open grassland and live oaks along the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular coastal views. Topanga is bound on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood and on the east by Rustic Canyon. In addition to great scenery, you’ll find fascinating geologic formations, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide variety of sedimentary formations. Help us celebrate Harriet’s legacy by visiting Topanga Canyon or another of America’s great natural places sometime soon!

Photo credits: Gulf Tragedy, ©NASA Goddard Photo; Birds, ©ALC; Grand Canyon, ©Anton Foltin; Big Sur Coast, ©Robert Glen Ketchum; Boyd Ranch, ©ALC; Bobolink, ©Christopher Taylor; Topanga Canyon, ©Topanga Town Council; Grandfather and child, ©Sven Klaschik Name That Bird! It's the Bobolink! Learn more about this bird here.
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