Cerulean Warblers and a variety of other neotropical migrants that nest in the United States and Canada benefit from conservation work accomplished by the ABC in their wintering areas in Latin America.

As the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) marks its 30th year, the organization is kicking off a celebration of birds protected, habitat conserved, and the people who made it happen. After 3 decades of working toward the conservation of wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas, ABC’s mission-driven work has benefited more than 3,000 bird species to date – about 30 percent of the world’s total – that have been recorded at sites protected by ABC and its dozens of valued partners.

With a steady focus on its mission and on delivering results, ABC puts a high priority on ensuring that all levels of support received is used to make a positive difference for birds and their habitats on the ground. Dedicated supporters, an expert staff, an independent and experienced Board of Directors, and a strong and diverse network of partners have provided ABC with a powerful formula for success.

ABC’s 30th anniversary is a great occasion to take a look at how the organization has delivered on its mission. Some high-impact accomplishments, achieved by working together with dozens of partners include: Establishing a 1.1 million-acre network of 100+ protected areas in 15 countries. The Latin American Reserve Network is supported by ABC and managed by 59 on-the-ground partners, and provides protected habitat for more than 80 of the most endangered birds in the Americas, ranging from the Blue-throated Macaw to the Short-crested Coquette. Many migratory birds, including Wood Thrushes, Cerulean Warblers, and Golden-winged Warblers also use the habitat in these protected areas.

ABC’s work with endangered birds in Hawaii has demonstrated their dedication to conservation of the state’s birds and native habitats. Planting more than 7.7 million trees in bird reserves and buffer areas in countries including the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru has improved habitat for birds with a range of benefits to people, from water conservation to carbon sequestration.

“No other bird conservation organization has achieved as much on-the-ground habitat conservation as ABC,” noted Larry Selzer, current ABC Board chair and longtime ABC Board member. “The organization is focused, disciplined, and fearless. Clear, tangible results combined with the highest ratings from non-profit rating organizations is a winning combination. It is an honor to work with the staff and Board – their commitment to delivering superior results with integrity and respect gives me hope for the future of birds.”

Looking beyond 2024, ABC is implementing a large-scale vision to conserve the next 10 million acres of bird habitat. In North America, ABC will prioritize healthy habitat for all bird species with populations in steep decline. As always, ABC will use rigorous science to prioritize birds of highest concern, ensuring conservation of the most important habitats and locations to prevent extinctions and increase populations of declining species.

For much more information about the important work conducted by the American Bird Conservancy and its valuable partners in North America and Latin America, see American Bird Conservancy Celebrates 30 Years of Results for Birds Across the Americas - American Bird Conservancy (abcbirds.org)