Yellow Warbler. Photo: Walter Korman/Audubon Photography Awards

Water

Birds need water.

We envision a sustainable future for birds and communities—where water is flowing in rivers, riparian and wetland habitat is protected and restored, and all people of the Southwest have access to clean and reliable water. 

This regional initiative is part of the National Audubon Society's Western Water strategy.

We work to protect birds and the places they need, which in the southwestern United States includes rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and their associated habitats. Access to clean and reliable water is essential for birds and people. And yet, we are currently operating within a legacy system of water management that originally excluded Indigenous and Tribal water needs, and excluded the needs of the environment (particularly habitat dependent on flowing rivers and wetlands). In order to bring about solutions that benefit birds and people, we work with decision-makers, cities, Tribes, farmers, and others to improve water management and water policies in Arizona and New Mexico.

Our goals:

  • Water for rivers and wetlands that strategically benefits birds

  • Strategic riparian and wetland habitat protection, restoration, and stewardship involving or led by the local community

  • Equitable and inclusive water management and decision-making

  • Water management systems that are adaptive to the challenges of climate change 

Audubon Southwest's work in Water protects these birds:

Our Work in Water

Rio Grande Initiative
Water

Rio Grande Initiative

Audubon Southwest works in and along the Rio Grande, one of the longest and most important rivers in the American Southwest.

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Advancing Water Security in Arizona
Water

Advancing Water Security in Arizona

Audubon's advocacy and policy efforts to protect the state's most precious resource.

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Western Rivers Brewers' Council
Our Work

Western Rivers Brewers' Council

Craft beer depends on reliable water – and so do our rivers. Take action today alongside your favorite craft breweries!

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Yuma Ridgway's Rail Conservation
Water

Yuma Ridgway's Rail Conservation

Using science to inform advocacy and conservation that protects an elusive, federally endangered marsh bird.

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Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Conservation
Water

Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Conservation

Preventing drought, climate, and irresponsible land management from silencing the Rain Crow

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Get Involved

Take Action
Get Involved

Take Action

Use your voice for birds, and take action to advocate for them and the places they need.

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Community Science
Get Involved

Community Science

Engage in community science by joining a bird count, survey, or other opportunity.

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How you can help, right now