The Golden-winged Warbler Project

The Golden-winged Warbler Project

Why It Matters

The state-endangered golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) uses young forest habitat to forage, mate and rear their young. They nest in upland sedges and the fledglings return to the adjacent mature hardwood forests. A mass exodus of agriculture from New Jersey and the suppression of natural disturbances such as fire have caused even-aged stands. This consequently has caused habitat for the golden-winged warbler as well as other species that benefit from a young forest habitat to be lacking on the landscape.

Conservation Efforts

Conserve Wildlife Foundation is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the State Endangered & Non-game Species Program, and the New Jersey Audubon to identify and create suitable habitats for the golden-winged warbler. When a private landowner expresses interest in creating habitat on their property, we visit the site, assess it for the suitability, and develop a plan to restore it.

A site may be suitable for golden-winged warblers if it is in the focal area, has more than 70% forest cover, and is not near moderate to heavy development. When on-site we look for the presence of certain key elements that will cause the project to be a success – for example, a manageable amount of invasive vegetation, little deer browse, trees species with diverse native insects on which warblers can feed, a diverse native seed bank, a potential for good regeneration, and forest structure. Then a plan is prescribed. Plans can include invasive removal, pre-and post-cuts, young forest habitat creation, cutting to stimulate regeneration for the future, prescribed burns, tree/shrub plantings, and forest trails and landings.

This type of forest management can have a profound impact on the golden-winged warbler as well as many other species that use the habitat. Golden wings like some forest structure to their habitat so it typically takes about 6-7 years after a cut has been done for it to finally become suitable for them. Many other imperiled bird species use the site in the interim. It also has the benefit of providing the ability for shade-intolerant tree species to grow, providing diversity in our forests. Since 2012, Conserve Wildlife Foundation has assisted in planning on 38 properties totaling 805 acres of created golden-winged warbler habitat. After the habitat is created, we continue to monitor the sites for success through bird surveys and assessing habitat regrowth.