BirdReturns Now Accepting Applications: Fall Wetland Program
Private wetland managers in California’s Central Valley can now apply to the BirdReturns Fall Wetland Program! This program provides financial incentives to flood wetlands early— starting between August 1 and September 8—to support birds during a time when habitat is scarce. Early-flooded wetlands provide critical stopover areas for migrating shorebirds, molting ducks, and other waterbirds moving through the region before the winter season.
One BirdReturns field in fall 2022 hosted over 7,000 dabbling ducks—proving the impact early habitat can have.
Eligible wetland units must be larger than 25 acres and meet program requirements. Participants set their own bid price per acre.
📅 Application deadline: May 26, 2025
🔗 Learn more and apply: BirdReturns.org/wetlands
