The Northern Forest Birds Network is a collaborative conservation partnership supported by the Upper Mississippi / Great Lakes Joint Venture that works cooperatively across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, primarily in Bird Conservation Region (BCR) 12 to develop, utilize, and share the best available science assessing the status and habitat needs of northern forest birds, while supporting initiatives that protect, restore, and enhance priority habitats for focal species.

Since 2013, the Northern Forest Birds Working Group has made steady progress towards identifying a shared vision, translating that vision into clear goals, and engaging a robust network of partners. In recent years, it has expanded its focus from coordinating species monitoring and data management efforts to also promote and support the integration of science-based best management practices for forest birds into project and program activities across the landscape.

The Northern Forest Birds Network (NFBN) had a successful workshop in 2018. The objectives of this workshop were to re-engage the broader Northern Forest Birds Working Group community, provide updates from the Steering Committee, kick start several BCR 12 related projects, and train workshop participants on how to use the Midwest Avian Data Center. Over 50 participants representing 20 organizations attended the event in Ashland, WI.

2018 Comprehensive Workshop Proceedings

2018 Workshop

Mike Mossman gives presentation at 2018 Workshop. (Credit: Ryan Brady)

On October 17th-18th, 2023, the NFBN will meet in Ashland, WI and once again bring together a broad array of conservation partners. The NFBN 2023 conference will benefit foresters, biologists, land managers, researchers, and private landowners. We will showcase collaborative initiatives, while sharing about bird conservation amid climate change, and discussing bird habitat management tools. On day one, the conference will focus on project updates from Northern Forest Bird Network and Upper Mississippi River / Great Lakes Joint Venture; Forestry for Birds initiatives in Michigan and Minnesota; and discussions of forest bird habitat best management practices (BMPs). On day two, the morning session will be focused on climate change impacts for forest bird conservation and will be followed with a discussion of how our network can use the NIACS Climate Change Adaptation Workbook to promote large- and small-scale forest resilience. Please see the full agenda for more details.

Dates: October 17 at 8:00 a.m. – 4:30pm & October 18 at 8:00 a.m. to Noon, Central Time

Location: AmericInn by Wyndham Ashland; 3009 Lake Shore Dr E, Ashland, WI 54806; +1-715-682-9950

A block of rooms are being held at the AmericInn under “Forestry for Birds Conference” for October 16-17th.

Cost: $50 per person (includes lunch, snacks, and beverages)

Full Agenda

Register Here!

8.5 CFEs for SAF

8.5 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist®/Professional Development Certificate Program

Event contact: Jayme Strange, jstrange@abcbirds.org