The not-for-profit group, Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario (BECO) is hosting at Grey Agricultural Services in Markdale on Saturday, March 1, at 1:30 pm a workshop titled: Improving grassland bird habitat on farms. BECO will give a short introduction about grassland bird species at risk, their ecologies, habitat, and stewardship. A panel of farmers will discuss methods they have used to create and maintain hayfields and pastures that provide nesting habitat for grassland birds, followed by a Q&A session.

Description
Grassland bird species at risk, such as bobolink, eastern meadowlark, and grasshopper sparrow, rely on agricultural grasslands in Ontario for nesting. These species nest directly on the ground and need cover from vegetation to protect nests and young. Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario, a small non-profit organization, collaborates with farmers and landowners to study nesting grassland birds in agricultural landscapes. Join us and a panel of farmers and grassland bird stewards for a roundtable discussion about how you can manage vegetation to attract grassland birds and improve nesting habitat on your property. Speakers will share their experience with creating and maintaining hayfields and pastures suitable for grassland bird nesting. The discussion will focus on practical information and strategies to establish and maintain tall dense vegetation for nesting bobolink, for example through overseeding, grazing, and soil amendments. Participants will also be encouraged to share their experiences with creating and managing nesting habitat for grassland birds.

Details
Saturday, March 1, 1:30–4:00 pm
Grey Agricultural Services
206 Toronto St. S., Unit 3, Markdale
Course fee: $20.00

More information about the course and registration is available at: https://www.greyagservices.ca/courses-webinars