Here, we highlight two of those people, who are protecting the Piedmont with a passion and focus on stemming the decline of our once-abundant grassland birds.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative
The Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) creates a resilient agroecosystem that benefits grassland birds through the work of the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes, the American Farmland Trust and Quail Forever.
Return of the Grassland Birds: Albemarle Magazine
The Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative was featured as the cover story in the October/November issue of Albemarle Magazine!
Working together to bring back grassland birds
The financial incentives program is open through Nov. 15! The Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative is now in it’s third year.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov. 15, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative is accepting applications from producers who are interested in financial incentives for protecting nesting grassland birds during the 2024 haying season.
Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative offers financial incentives for delayed haying and summer pasture stockpiling
Now through Nov 15, 2022, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is accepting applications for its 2023 financial incentives program.
Return of the Grassland Birds
The new Virginia (formerly Piedmont) Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) is showing promising signs of returning those birds to the Virginia landscape. With grant funding, the program pays farmers to adopt bird-friendly best management practices.
Video: Kestrel Banding with October Greenfield
PEC’s October Greenfield has been busy banding American Kestrels across our region to help track the movement and reproductive patterns of these beautiful falcons.
Re-aligning Land and Nature at the Holden Farm in Loudoun County
In 2021, the Holdens partnered with The Piedmont Environmental Council to permanently conserve their rolling 35-acre farm just south of the historic Quaker village of Lincoln.
Winter Birding Opportunities
Wondering how you can get involved in bird conservation this winter? Community science is a great way to stay active, contribute to science and learn more about local ecology.
Meet the VGBI Staff
VGBI relies on strong local partners and interested landowners working together with knowledgeable PEC and VWL staff — meet VGBI co-coordinators Justin and October!