Conservation Initiatives
Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative (MiBCI)
MiBCI is a coalition of agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and individuals working together to better understand and conserve Michigan’s birds. MiBCI’s primary purpose is to work together as a partnership to conserve, restore, and protect bird populations. MiBCI hosts the annual Michigan Bird Conservation Workshop to share information on current research and ongoing conservation projects. MiBCI’s standing subcommittees work together year round to advance progress on projects of mutual benefit.
Michigan Important Bird Areas
The Important Bird Areas Program (IBA) is a global effort to identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and biodiversity. The Michigan Important Bird Areas Program officially began in March 2006 with the hiring of the Michigan IBA Coordinator and leadership from the following program partners: Michigan Audubon, Detroit Audubon Society, Kalamazoo Nature Center, and National Audubon.
Contact:
Caleb Putnam
Michigan IBA Coordinator
cputnam@audubon.org
Safe Passage Great Lakes
Detroit Audubon Society initiated Safe Passage Great Lakes in 2006. The program encourages building owners and occupants to turn off lights above the fifth floor, and take other simple steps during peak migration seasons to reduce the danger to migratory birds. Michigan Audubon chapters currently participating or developing Safe Passage programs in their communities: Jackson Audubon Society, Grand Rapids Audubon Club, and the Capital Area Audubon Society.
Concerned individuals in Chicago, Toronto, and New York City have started similar programs to address the impacts of tall towers to migratory birds.
