2026 Late Summer Farmlands Habitat Program Application Period Open Until June 22
Published Friday, June 12, 2026
Applications are being accepted for the BirdReturns 2026 Late Summer Farmlands Habitat Program, with the application period closing June 22 at 11:59 p.m. The program provides incentives to farmers who create temporary shallow-water habitat for migrating shorebirds and other wildlife during late summer and early fall, when natural wetland habitat is often limited. Eligible lands include rotating or fallowed cropland, as well as fields harvested before the program's habitat period begins on Aug. 3. Eligible crops may include wheat and other cereal grains, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, potatoes, sunflower, safflower, corn, rice and other qualifying cropland. Award and funding decisions are expected to be announced by July 20.
In related news, Audubon California announced that BirdReturns has secured $10 million in state funding to support the program in the coming years. While the Fall Wetland Program will not be offered in 2026 due to administrative and contracting requirements associated with the new funding, Audubon expects to resume a full suite of BirdReturns habitat programs in 2027.
The program continues to provide opportunities for farmers to generate additional revenue while supporting migratory bird habitat on working agricultural lands.
Staff contact: Richard Filgas, rfilgas@cfbf.com.
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