Foresters for the Birds: Assessing Your Woods for Bird Habitat

Massachusetts is an especially important New England state to breeding birds because it is a part of both the Northern Forest Region and the Eastern Deciduous Forest Region. For some of these species, as much as 90% of their population is breeding in these forest types. 

The forests of New England are vital for the survival and reproduction of many birds, such as the Chestnut-sided Warbler and Wood Thrush. Yet numerous forest birds have undergone a drastic decline in numbers, raising concerns among conservationists. These declines can be attributed in part to the current habitat conditions found in our forests. Creating and maintaining many types of forest habitats across the landscape with both old and young trees will be key to sustaining our forest birds, and doing so requires engagement and action.

When you enroll in the Forest Stewardship Program you will have the option to also enroll in the Foresters for the Birds Program. A Forest Stewardship Plan is required to participate in the program. The DCR Foresters for the Birds Program offers funding assistance to landowners to work with certified and licensed professionals—such as foresters—to evaluate existing and potential bird habitat. 

Find a list of certified foresters, general instructions and a sample plan below.

Foresters for the Birds Program

Alison Wright-Hunter
Service Forester
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Amherst Field Office
PO Box 484
Amherst, MA 01004
413-262-2370 (phone)
alison.wright@mass.gov (email)

Foresters for the Birds program is managed by Mass Woodlands Institute on behalf of DCR and funded through Working Forest Initiative (ForestsWork).

Check out our curated list of resources below!