Bird Conservation Workshop at Shield Ranch

Presented in partnership with Travis Audubon, Shield Ranch, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Whether you’re managing hundreds of acres, an experienced birder eager to learn the latest conservation strategies, or simply looking to attract more wildlife to your own backyard—this workshop has something for you! Join Travis Audubon, Shield Ranch, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for a half-day of learning, connection, and exploration centered around wildlife management.

This event is perfect for:

• Landowners interested in the 1-D-1 Wildlife Management Tax Valuation
• Nature lovers wanting to improve habitat for birds and other wildlife on their property
• Experienced birders interested in staying current on the latest conservation issues and habitat management strategies
• Anyone looking to better understand land stewardship and native ecosystems

Explore Shield Ranch’s diverse habitats and management strategies during a guided walk. Learn how thoughtful land management supports native species and ecosystems — and do some birding along the way!

Workshop Includes:

• Optional Morning Bird Walk at Shield Ranch with Chris Gunter to begin at 7:30am
• Birds and Bird Habitat - Tania Homayoun, TPWD State Ornithologist.  
  Texas hosts more than 670 species of birds, and our unique geography and diverse ecosystems make Texas vital to sustaining healthy populations of North America's migratory birds. This presentation will set the stage for the day’s workshop and presentations by discussing the current state of North America’s birds, the threats and challenges scientists have identified as drivers of declines in bird populations, and the role Texas landscapes can play in conserving hemispheric bird populations.
• Native Plants for Birds - Blake Hendon, TPWD Senior Wildlife Biologist
• 1D1 Opportunities - Tania Peña, TPWD Wildlife Biologist
• Managing for Endangered Species - Darren Proppe, TPWD Conservation Initiatives Specialist
  Texans are proud of their heritage, and we love our varied landscapes - from deserts to pine forests and places in between like the Hill Country. Many native species thrive in these landscapes as well. Texas hosts a wide array of bird species. But, some of these species are rare, and a few species are protected through the Endangered Species Act. What does it mean if you find one of these endangered species on your property? Are there ways that you can support rare species on your property? Can you support rare species and continue activities like farming and ranching? In this talk we will explore how to live with and enjoy hosting endangered species.
• Birding and site management highlights tour - Grant Lawrence, Shield Ranch Barton Creek, Land Steward and Operations Manager

Shield Ranch was established in 1938 as a family ranch. Located along six and a half breathtaking miles of Barton Creek, just 18 miles southwest of downtown Austin, 6,600 acres are now protected through conservation easements with The Nature Conservancy and the City of Austin. Decades of intentional land stewardship have created a mosaic of habitats and a diverse community of native plants and animals. Fall on the ranch is an exciting time to look for birds!

Snacks provided, please bring a full water bottle and closed-toe walking shoes.

The email used to register for this walk will be used to communicate any changes or cancellations due to weather or other factors. Please ALWAYS check your email inbox on the morning of the event, prior to leaving your home, in case of last-minute changes. Please also check to be sure our emails do not land in your spam folder.

Payment for a class, workshop, or other fee-based event is due at the time of registration. If payment is not received within a week of registration, the registrant may be dropped from the roster. To withdraw from a class, workshop, or other fee-based event, please contact the Travis Audubon office: 512-300-BIRD (2473) or info@travisaudubon.org.

If a registrant withdraws from this workshop at least seven (7) days before the workshop, Travis Audubon will offer a full refund less a $5.00 administrative fee that helps defray our costs. If the registrant withdraws less than seven (7) days before the first session, no refund will be made. If Travis Audubon cancels the class, workshop, or other fee-based event, we will fully refund the tuition.