California Farmers Work to Create a Climate Change Buffer for Migratory Water Birds

In an effort to stave off declining populations of migratory wetland birds, conservation groups are partnering with California farmers to develop wildlife-friendly practices. Climate change is forcing many farmers to switch from water-intensive crops, like corn and rice, to “permanent crops,” like wine grapes. But that switch is depriving a vital resource in the region to birds like egrets and sandhill cranes.