Waupaca County – Great Lakes Audubon has officially recognized the Bouressa Family Farm for its bird‑friendly stewardship. The 360‑acre property, located just west of New London, earned the Audubon Conservation Ranching Certificate, the seventh Wisconsin farm to receive the honor and one of more than 160 farms nationwide.
Stewardship through grazing and pasture management
Owner Rachel Bouressa explained that the farm’s beef cattle are integral to the conservation plan. “Most of my land is going to be in permanent perennial pasture. But I’ve been integrating different mixes, working with cover crops, and winter grazing mixes for winter feed,” she said. By keeping cattle on the land year‑round, the farm improves soil health, reduces erosion and creates habitat that benefits both livestock and wildlife.
Creating an “emerald oasis” for grassland birds
Last year the farm completed a wetlands project and cleared lines of trees to open up a large grassland area. “The grassland birds that rely on wide‑open grasslands have increasingly been threatened by woody encroachment, urbanization, and some farming practices,” Bouressa noted. The result is an 85‑acre “emerald oasis” of open grass that draws migrating and resident grassland birds. “If you build it, they will come,” she added.
Why the certification matters
The Audubon Great Lakes certification highlights farms that balance productive agriculture with wildlife habitat. By maintaining permanent pasture, using cover crops and protecting wetlands, the Bouressa Family Farm demonstrates how farmers can act as stewards of natural resources—protecting soil, water and vital bird habitat.
Impact beyond Wisconsin
Across the United States, more than 160 farms and ranches have earned the Audubon Conservation Ranching Certificate, showing a growing movement of producers who integrate conservation into everyday operations. The Bouressa Farm’s achievement adds to Wisconsin’s reputation for forward‑thinking agriculture and offers a model for neighboring farms seeking to enhance both productivity and ecological health.
“I call this the new land. And this is my favorite view of the farm,” Bouressa said, reflecting pride in the transformation. The farm’s success underscores the importance of local stewardship in preserving the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
