Forest Management

Learn how forest management benefits birds.

Photo: Connie Pinson

Many of our birds need access to healthy forests for raising baby birds, stopover points during migration, and cover and food in winter. A healthy forest ecosystem meets those needs by providing a variety of plant species, tree heights and ages, and safe places such as dead trees and ground debris. Through engagement with foresters and natural resource partners, Audubon North Carolina promotes bird-friendly forest management techniques, including introducing small canopy gaps, promoting mid-story growth, encouraging mast-producing trees and shrubs for year-round forage, and increasing the number of cavity trees.

Integrating bird conservation strategies with the existing goals of landowners, biologists, hunters, foresters, recreationists and other groups will expand our conservation efforts and the impact for North Carolina birds.

Learn more about our Bird-Friendly Forest Management initiatives.

With Small Changes, Forest Management Benefits Birds
Working Lands

With Small Changes, Forest Management Benefits Birds

Last month, nearly 50 foresters were trained in management practices to benefit birds in NC.

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Bird-Friendly Forestry Training Increases Land Stewardship
Working Lands

Bird-Friendly Forestry Training Increases Land Stewardship

Outreach to private landowners is an important step in increasing land stewardship for our imperiled species. The Audubon staff works with partners to present the latest research and programs associated with the best forest management practices for birds.

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Golden-winged Warbler

Latin:  Vermivora chrysoptera

Illustration for Golden-winged Warbler

American Woodcock

Latin:  Scolopax minor

Illustration for American Woodcock

Cerulean Warbler

Latin:  Setophaga cerulea

Illustration for Cerulean Warbler

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Latin:  Sitta pusilla

Illustration for Brown-headed Nuthatch

News & Updates

The Sweet Smell of a Successful Forestry Project
GWWA Conservation - Working Lands

The Sweet Smell of a Successful Forestry Project

Nothing is wasted at this former Christmas-tree farm site, where Golden-winged Warblers are now breeding and an essential-oils company is brewing a Fraser Fir aromatic.

Survey finds diverse species at bird-friendly forestry site
Forest Landbird Legacy Program

Survey finds diverse species at bird-friendly forestry site

Climate-threatened birds and more were discovered at the Cherokee Scout Reservation this year.

Foresters Gather for Training to Learn Bird-Friendly Techniques
Forestry Trainings

Foresters Gather for Training to Learn Bird-Friendly Techniques

At our highly successful “Foresters for the Birds” workshop, foresters received hands-on training to help them achieve forest health while also benefitting birds!

Local Farmers Use Horses to Restore GWWA Habitat
GWWA Conservation - Working Lands

Local Farmers Use Horses to Restore GWWA Habitat

Allie and Louis employed tree removal using horses, and created gaps in the forest canopy, to encourage continued growth of the vegetation cover GWWAs need to breed.

Surveying the Presence of the Declining Golden-winged Warbler
GWWA Conservation - Working Lands

Surveying the Presence of the Declining Golden-winged Warbler

A secretive bird, Golden-winged Warblers tend to go undetected in standard point count surveys, so we use a method that can detect their presence more accurately.

OWASA Recognized for Bird-friendly Forestry Plan
Forest Landbird Legacy Program

OWASA Recognized for Bird-friendly Forestry Plan

Audubon North Carolina and Orange Water and Sewer Authority encourage bird-friendly management practices in Cane Creek Reservoir.

Highland Biological Students Focus on Golden-wings
Working Lands

Highland Biological Students Focus on Golden-wings

Budding young scientists are working to protect the Golden-winged Warblers we love.

Horse logging in Appalachia
Forest Management - Working Lands

Horse logging in Appalachia

An unlikely pair, these draft horses are restoring habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler.

Published Work on Golden-winged Warbler Conservation and Biology
Working Lands

Published Work on Golden-winged Warbler Conservation and Biology

Review recent peer reviewed and thesis papers done by Audubon staff, our academic partners at Appalachian and elsewhere.

How you can help, right now