BirdReturns Summer Wetland Applications DUE!
We’re excited to share that applications for the 2026 BirdReturns Summer Wetland Program are now open!
By participating, you’ll help support migrating, nesting, and brood-rearing birds during some of the most habitat-limited months of the year—while receiving financial incentives for your conservation efforts.
Key Program Details
- Application period: Now through February 1, 2026
- Eligible regions: Central Valley and Suisun
- Payment rates: Vary by region (see website for details)
- Minimum acreage: Wetlands greater than 15 acres (5-acre minimum in Tulare)
Flooding requirements
Enrolled units must remain fully flooded (at least 18 inches at the outflow) starting April 1 and continuing through the summer. Participants will then choose one drawdown option:
- Standard drawdown: Begin drawdown July 15; reach 50% mudflats by August 1
- Delayed drawdown: Remain fully flooded through October 1
🔗 Ready to apply? Visit birdreturns.org/summer-wetlands
Please note that enrollment will be limited this year as the program transitions to a new funding source. To help set expectations, based on available funding we anticipate enrolling approximately the following acreage by region: Sacramento Valley (~168 acres), San Joaquin Valley/GWD (~263 acres), Suisun (~525 acres), Delta (~525 acres), and Tulare (~44 acres).
Thank you for your understanding during this transition. If you have any questions or would like to discuss eligibility or management options, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help.
