Vermont Officials Urge Landowners to Delay Mowing to Help Protect Grassland Birds

The rain may have your grass getting long, but state leaders say holding off on clipping it could save songbirds. Vermont Fish and Wildlife experts say grassland birds in our region suffer from a decline in habitat. They ask landowners, especially those with big fields, to mow later if possible to give these birds a chance to rear their young. Experts say landowners who don’t need to mow for animal forage can cut after August 1 to accommodate birds who nest on the ground or rely on long grass for food. Landowners who face a loss of income from delaying mowing can apply for assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP program or The Bobolink Project.