The 2022 State of the Birds Report published by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative highlights the complex relationship between people, birds, and nature. Long-term data collection that started in 1970 has been coupled with new technology that includes GPS tracking devices, and that combination has revealed the epic migrations that birds make and the challenges they face along their journey. Sadly, the data also show that eastern forest birds, shorebirds, and grassland birds have all declined by 30% over the past fifty years.

Nationwide, more than half of US bird species are in decline, and 70 newly identified Tipping Point species have each lost 50% or more of their populations in the last fifty years. These species are on track to continue declining by 50% over the next fifty years. This will potentially result in species becoming endangered and at risk of extinction.

But there is good news to report! Over the past fifty years, strategic long-term investments in the conservation of wetlands have led to dramatic increases in populations of ducks, geese, and swans. This proves that the decline in bird populations can be slowed … and even reversed … with targeted human intervention.

Enter the JWP Audubon Society, a local affiliate of the National Audubon Society. JWP is part of a diverse coalition of dedicated people and organizations that have been working to restore natural habitats that benefit people and birds in central Illinois. JWP has been actively promoting awareness and restoring habitat for decades, and they have seen firsthand how quickly people and birds respond to restored habitats when nature is given a chance to recover. The following projects are local examples of restoration that connect JWP’s work in McLean County with the larger work highlighted in the State of the Birds report.

JWP has partnered with the City of Bloomington and University of Illinois Master Naturalists to restore prairie and woodland at Ewing Park, where volunteers and park staff have planted, tended, and managed natural areas over the decades. The high-quality restoration work has resulted in this park being designated by National Audubon Society as an “Important Bird Area,” where one can see as many bird species during spring migration as can be seen at the world-famous Montrose Beach bird sanctuary in Chicago.

JWP worked with the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation staff to design and find grant funds for a new bird sanctuary at the Y intersection of the Constitution Trail in Normal. Adjacent to the popular Connie Link Amphitheater, this water feature and native plant restoration will be a high-profile example of bringing birds and people together for their mutual benefit.

JWP is advising the Colene Hoose Natural Playground design team on bird-friendly native plants that will be incorporated into the site.
JWP inspired film company Turnstone Productions to create a documentary film about wetland and prairie restoration in central Illinois. The movie is expected to be released in 2023.

JWP routinely schedules programs and events to inspire a love of birding and nature with bird- and nature-related film screenings at the Normal Theater, bird photography exhibits at the Normal Public Library, and bird walks at local parks.

JWP has conducted bird population monitoring surveys in Bloomington Normal and McLean County for many decades.

JWP continues to partner with the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal parks departments to improve bird habitat on public property

JWP leads programs to teach people all of the ways theycan garden and landscape for birds.

With the continued restoration of natural habitat in central Illinois, JWP is hoping to stem the tide of birds at the tipping point, which in the Midwest include American Golden Plover, Bobolink, Henslow’s Sparrow, Chimney Swift, Golden-winged Warbler, King Rail, LeConte’s Sparrow, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Prairie Warbler, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Yellow Rail and Black Rail. If current trends continue these species will be at increased risk for extinction. Fortunately, diverse groups of scientists, citizens, land managers, and decision-makers are hard at work raising awareness around the deeply intertwined connections between birds and people. They have outlined a plan for proactive conservation and a strategic road map to recovery that can reverse these declines.

This plan involves coupling new technology with insights from social science to co-create conservation strategies with affected communities. Restoration of eastern forests is one example of ongoing work that has improved habitat quality and increased populations of birds. The rate of decline for Cerulean Warblers and Wood Thrush has slowed in areas where extensive forest restoration has been implemented. Restoring diversity in the forest benefits more than birds. People need clean water, clean air, and increased access to diverse natural habitats as well.

A diverse coalition of conservation organizations is also working to restore grasslands. As a group, grassland birds have suffered the biggest land bird decline of any habitat. Massive losses of birds can be reversed with voluntary, incentive-based programs powered by partnerships with landowners to restore grasslands, using the successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act as a model.

Building on and expanding these projects and others like them has the potential to increase local bird populations before they fade from our lives. This will enhance the quality of life for people and birds alike. There are many opportunities for people to engage in this effort. Diverse people and organizations are coming together to work for the benefit of birds, which ultimately leads to a greater sense of connection, possibility, community, and wellness for all.