In July 2023, FWC was fortunate to attend a guided hike presented by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies in partnership with UVM PhD student Liza Morse. Being an alumni and former summer staff, Liza has strong connections with Farm and Wilderness. She was a camper at Firefly Song then Tamarack Farm. Later on, Liza joined the Timberlake staff and in 2016 became the Timberlake trips coordinator. Currently Liza is pursuing a PhD from the University of Vermont with a focus on biodiversity in Vermont’s sugarbushes.
Studies have been done documenting bird populations and forest structure in unmanaged forests or forests used for timber production but until recently, there has been little research on forests that are actively managed for maple syrup production. Maple syrup production comprises a large portion of Vermont forests. Researchers are trying to determine how sugar makers can sustainably manage syrup production while helping forest bird populations and recognizing that sugar maple monocultures that lack species and structural diversity will not be helpful for migratory forest birds trying to reproduce. In recent years, songbirds, specifically birds that rely on healthy and structurally diverse forests, have been experiencing population declines. These species migrate north in the spring to nest in places like northern forests of Vermont which also happen to be where sugar makers are collecting sap. In 2014, Audubon VT initiated the Bird Friendly Maple Project with the help of Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation and Vermont Maple Sugar Maker’s Association. The aim of this project was to consider the link between sugarbush management and its effects on migratory bird nest success and productivity along with increasing awareness on the important role these forests play. Sugar makers can enroll in the bird friendly maple program if they have a forest management plan in place that includes managing for bird habitat.
In 2020, Audubon Vermont, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, and the University of Vermont began their efficacy study of the bird friendly maple program with the goal of updating the management practices and assessing the effectiveness. Considerations and data collection included canopy cover and vegetation, leaf dwelling insects, litter dwelling insects, and of course bird sights and sounds. They were also looking at diversity in forest structure, tree species, non woody vegetation, standing dead trees, and coarse woody debris on the ground such as downed trees and dead branches. The study also assesses the habitat complexity that forest birds rely on and emphasizes the importance of creating healthy forests that are less susceptible to pests and pathogens like emerald ash borer or Dutch elm disease. Bird species that researchers are focusing on include ovenbird, scarlet tanager, veery, and black-throated blue warbler along with five or six other species. These were selected due to their affiliation with forests habitats and their varied habitat needs within the forest. Each species' preferences indicate certain forest management practices are occurring such as regeneration and available standing dead trees. Data collection and analysis is ongoing, and we look forward to hearing about the results of the study.
We are so proud of Liza for dedicating her dissertation to this fascinating and important topic. She is making us all proud here at F&W! Campers and staff members go on to make a difference in the world by using the important skills learned here at F&W. We look forward to learning more about the results of the study and the ways in which the F&W sugarbush can implement management practices with birds in mind.
This project was featured in the Winter 2022 edition of Northern Woodlands Magazine.