Piedmont Grassland Bird Initiative

A collaboration working to simultaneously stem the tide of grassland bird decline, improve the resiliency of working landscapes and positively impact the livelihoods that depend upon those lands.

The Piedmont Grassland Bird Iniative (PGBI) is a collaboration between The Piedmont Environmental Council, Virginia Working Landscapes, American Farmland Trust and Quail Forever focused on promoting the science-based knowledge and resources needed to manage Virginia’s private lands for grassland bird conservation. 

Visit the Piedmont Grassland Bird Initiative website to learn more.

Woman holding adult kestrel

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.
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aerial view of a meandering stream through two fields in a rural landscape during autumn

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.
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An American Kestrel in flight

What is the Piedmont Grassland Bird Initiative?

Native grasslands have suffered the most intense impact by humans of any of North America’s terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in grassland-associated birds experiencing a steeper, more consistent decline than any other guild of birds.
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a small brown bird perches on a leafy tree branch

An Introduction to Grassland Birds

PGBI Coordinator Justin Proctor shares his experience researching grassland birds.
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a woman holds a fluffy baby barn owl

Meet the PGBI Staff

PGBI relies on strong local partners and interested landowners working together with knowledgeable PEC and VWL staff -- meet PGBI co-coordinators Justin and October!
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a white and gray bird looks forward, clung to a tree

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.
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a bobolink eating an insect in a field of purple and yellow wildflowers

Ways to Support Grassland Birds

There are several things that you can do around your landscape that will have a positive impact on our region’s grassland birds, both migratory and resident, as well as improve biodiversity.
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