By Isaiah Meza, Audubon Southwest Working Lands, New Mexico Program Manager
Across the vast, gold and green stretches of Southwestern rangelands, a vital transformation in adaptive management is taking place. It’s happening on the ground, in the soil, and among the grasses where meadowlarks and sparrows nest.
Ranchers and land managers are working to implement sustainable, regenerative approaches to livestock production and grassland resilience. Contributing to this effort is the Audubon Southwest Working Lands team—a group dedicated to the idea that productive ranching and healthy ecosystems go hand-in-hand.
Emerging as a new addition of a Nationwide Audubon team, they are mobilizing efforts to promote sustainable working lands across Arizona and New Mexico.
Collaboration at the Core
Grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in North America, and their decline has led to a staggering loss of bird populations. These critical ecosystems are also the backbone of rural agriculture-based economies across Arizona and New Mexico.
Audubon’s Working Lands team recognizes that ranchers are among the most active and knowledgeable stewards of these landscapes. By collaborating with ranchers, Audubon is working to enhance the diversity, productivity, and resilience of grasslands and rangelands—not just for the birds, but for other wildlife and the communities who depend on them.
What We Do: On-the-Ground Impact
The Audubon Southwest’s Working Lands team strives to be rooted in producer communities; they are in the field, delivering tangible results through:
- The Audubon Conservation Ranching Program: Bridging the gaps between conservation, the cost of operation/implementation, and the marketplace through Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program.
- On-the-Ground Restoration: Implementing projects that restore the land, improve stream/creek health, and enhance native plant diversity.
- Scientific Research & Monitoring: Conducting rigorous bird and habitat monitoring across AZ and NM to ensure conservation strategies are working.
Spotlight: Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR)
For producers practicing conservation ranching to those looking to integrate more regenerative practices to their operations, the ACR program offers a unique, no-cost opportunity to attain Audubon recognition and support for their conservation stewardship.
When a ranch becomes “Certified Bird Friendly” through the ACR program, it signifies a commitment to regenerative practices that create a mosaic of habitat for birds. But the benefits go far beyond the birds themselves.
Producers enrolled in ACR receive:
- Habitat Management Plans (HMPs): Expert help in developing HMPs that increase the quality and resilience of the rangeland and grassland bird habitat.
- Market Distinction: The right to use the Audubon “Certified Bird Friendly” seal on beef and ranch products, connecting producers with a growing demographic of conservation-minded consumers.
- Technical Assistance: Support in navigating the complexities of conservation funding from state/federal programs and project implementation.
A Call to Producers in Arizona & New Mexico
The integrity of Southwest ecosystems largely depends on the health of our working lands. If you are a producer (or know of one) interested in enhancing your land’s productivity while protecting our region’s iconic bird species, the Audubon Working Lands team wants to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in restoration projects or want to learn more about getting your ranch ACR certified, we want to hear from you!
Get in Touch: To learn more or to discuss potential enrollment in the ACR program, please reach out to the New Mexico program manager Isaiah Meza at isaiah.meza@audubon.org. Together, we can ensure that the grasslands of the Southwest remain vibrant, productive, and full of birdsong for generations to come.
For more information, visit the Audubon Southwest Working Lands page or explore the Conservation Ranching program online.
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