This photo, taken on the Conservancy’s Betts tract, shows active use by the White-faced ibis. The darker of the two species seen in the photo here is the White-faced ibis, and it is one of the NBHCP’s “Covered Species.” Over the years, we have noticed that their use of the Conservancy’s preserves is highest when rice fields in the region have been de-watered in preparation for harvest. In keeping with the Conservancy’s mission of providing a sanctuary for displaced populations of Covered Species, this regime fits in nicely with the species’ needs and the Conservancy’s mission.
One Against Many?
The Conservancy uses a variety of tools to manage vegetation on its preserves, guided by a strategy known as “the soft path first.” One of those tools is grazing. Over the years, the Conservancy has used large grazing animals to manage marsh and adjacent upland vegetation, including Hereford, Black Angus, …