They sat quietly, as still as possible, a group of kids and their adults listening for the elusive sound. Then they heard him: the muffled gobble of the wild tom turkey. It wasn’t long before this dinosaur of the modern age was in full view, following the sound of what he thought to be a receptive hen. It’s an emotional and immersive experience that brings these young people closer to nature and continues a long heritage of tradition and stewardship.

Join us for a special virtual program featuring Grady Grissom, owner of Rancho Largo Custom Beef and 2017 Leopold Conservation Award Winner, and Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. They’ll share their perspectives about cattle ranching and conservation on private lands, and their relationship to bird conservation. We’ll also explore how birds serve as indicators of healthy, productive landscapes and the role they can play in helping land managers as stewards of natural resources.
In a landscape where water is scarce and margins are slim, agriculturalists are leading the way to find innovative and collaborative conservation approaches. These folks are the boots on the ground, taking voluntary action and making tangible changes to achieve sustainability for future generations of people and birds.
We continue our conversation with Wyoming ranchers Marilyn Mackey and Tom Reed about family heritage, the influence of the oil and gas industry, changing conservation practices, and challenges facing the future of ranching in rural America. In today’s post, they share their perspectives about sustainable management approaches, and why they love what they do. Part 4 of a 4-part series.
In part 3 of our 4-part story, we chat with Wyoming ranchers Marilyn Mackey and Tom Reed about family heritage, the influence of the oil and gas industry, changing conservation practices, and challenges facing the future of ranching in rural America. In today’s post, we discuss their perceptions about how ranching has changed over the years.
Bird Conservancy explores bird conservation as it relates to working lands, which are facing challenges like never before. Interviews with landowners explore family heritage, the influence of the oil and gas industry, changing conservation practices, and the future of ranching in rural America. Part 2 of a 4-part series.
Bird Conservancy explores bird conservation as it relates to working lands, which are facing challenges like never before. Interviews with landowners explore family heritage, the influence of the oil and gas industry, changing conservation practices, and the future of ranching in rural America. Part 1 of a 4-part series.

Join us for this FREE opportunity to learn about enhancing wetlands for wildlife, water conservation, and productivity on private lands.

If you want to learn how to control this plant on your land, please join us for this FREE informational workshop on cheatgrass ecology and management!
Emily Chavez recently began a new chapter in her life in a familiar setting. Here in the San Luis Valley, the land of her ancestors, she has ‘rediscovered’ a special place that is close to her heart. Emily shares her story of how heritage, imparted wisdom and new knowledge are coming together to further bird conservation in southern Colorado.