The Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative aims to protect declining grassland bird populations, especially the northern bobwhite, by incentivizing farmers to adopt bird-friendly practices. Financial support is available for implementing specific best management practices during the critical nesting season, with applications for 2024 opening this fall. The initiative has expanded from 500 acres in 2022 to 1,000 acres in 2023, with plans for 1,500 acres in 2024.

1. TheVirginia Grassland Bird Initiative
Supporting bird-friendly practices on working lands
Co-coordinator: October Greenfield
The Piedmont Environmental Council
ogreenfield@pecva.org

3. Why Grassland Birds?
More than 80% of native grassland
ecosystems across North America have
already been lost
Our region’s priority conservation species,
the Northern Bobwhite, has declined by
more than 80% since the 1970’s
No one reason for decline but effect of
agricultural intensification is profound

4. Incentives Program
➢ Financial incentive for farmers willing to adopt
specific BMPs to protect the vulnerable nesting
season (April 15 - July 1)
❖ Delayed Haying
❖ Summer Stockpiling
➢ Up to $35 per acre to offset the initial costs of
piloting these best management practices
➢ Application for 2024 will open this fall!
www.vagrasslandbirds.org/incentives/

5. Field Suitability
Size: 20 or more acres are
required.
Shape: Square or rectangle
fields are preferred (but not
required).
Surroundings: Fields
surrounded by other hay fields
or pastures are preferred over
those bordered by forest or
development.

6. Program Enrollment Stats
● 2022: 500 acres across 10
properties
● 2023: 1,000 acres across 19 new
properties
In 2024, we will have funding for
~1,500 acres across all 16 counties.
Applications for 2024 will open in
October!
www.vagrasslandbirds.org/incentives/
2022