California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation

California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation, a renowned organization, strives to boost the ecological significance of rice fields in California. By doing so, it aims to ensure the preservation of millions of waterbirds and other wildlife in the Pacific Flyway for coming generations. The foundation's primary objective is to optimize the value of rice fields as essential habitats for various avian species during their migration.

Despite the importance of shallow flooded shorebird habitats in the Sacramento Valley every fall, the worth of each acre is amplified during challenging drought conditions. California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation, with the help of its donors and The Nature Conservancy, succeeded in creating over 2,200 acres of vital shorebird habitat during the recent season. This habitat proved crucial during the fall habitat window, which started in early August and extended until late October. Utilizing its innovative Bid4Birds Habitat Program, the foundation effectively targeted critical habitat investment periods where and when they were most needed, offering cost-effective solutions for donor funds.

The Bid4Birds Habitat Program focuses on creating high-value shorebird habitats at specific points in time when the availability of such habitats is at a minimum. The program's reverse auction bidding process ensures that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively, ultimately benefiting both the rice farmers and the migratory birds. Through its efforts, California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation continues to create and maintain essential habitats for waterbirds and other wildlife, ensuring their survival and prosperity in the Pacific Flyway.