As Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy marks International Migratory Bird Day with many walks and a bird-a-thon, another thing you can do to support migratory birds is to buy Bird Friendly coffee certified by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center at the Rust Nature Sanctuary Shop in Leesburg.
As always, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy members get 10% off everything in the shop–including coffee. Just mention to the volunteer that you’re a Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy member.
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center has the most strict certification process for shade-grown coffee. Read below to find out how your purchase of Bird Friendly coffee benefits birds, other organisms, soil, water, and people. How can you beat this?
Shade-grown organic coffee plantations stamped with the “Bird Friendly®” seal of approval play a key role in the conservation of our global environment and of migratory birds that find sanctuary in their forest-like environments. The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) encourages the production of shade-grown coffee, and the conservation of migratory birds, through its “Bird Friendly®” seal of approval. Benefits of “Bird Friendly®” (some due to its organic and/or fair trade status). Those farmers, roasters, and distributors that carry the “Bird Friendly®” seal of approval are:
• All Bird Friendly® coffee is inspected and certified to USDA standards.
• Growing better tasting coffee because shade-coffee beans ripen more slowly, resulting in a richer flavor.
• Managing shade trees and other on-farm vegetation to conserve biodiversity.
• Providing healthy environments for workers and downstream communities.
• Protecting waterways (buffer zones along streams, for example) and sources of drinking water.
• Reducing soil erosion through shade management, employing agronomic techniques, and planting on hills with appropriate slopes.
• Eliminating pesticide and chemical fertilizer use through use of biological control and other organic practices.
• Using a pruning regime that will have minimal impact on biological diversity.
• Minimizing use of fuel wood for drying.
• Encouraging use of traditional varieties and varieties that are resistant to pests.
• Controlling pollution at mills, both wet and dry.
• Maintaining machinery and equipment to avoid contamination from fuel, fluids and lubricants.
• Guaranteeing fair and stable prices for producers.
• Providing access to credit to producers employing sustainable technologies.
• Promoting democratization and community participation in all aspects of sustainable coffee production.
• Providing technical assistance and environmental education for farmers shifting to sustainable technologies.
• Ensuring adequate wages, housing, and health care for workers.
• Providing access to markets for all producers, irrespective of farm size.
From http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/coffee/
The cost is $12 for 12 oz and there are 3 roasts available as well as Decaf. Both beans and ground are available.
The Rust Nature Sanctuary Shop is currently open 10-4 Monday thru Friday and 10-1 on Saturdays. Hours are subject to change as we are staffed by volunteers (call 703-669-0000 ext. 5 if you want to check on our hours.) The Rust Nature Sanctuary Shop is located at 802 Children’s Center Rd.
Remember, we’re also offering a special IMBD Bird Walk at the Rust Nature Sanctuary for Children (we know there are some budding birders out there!), Saturday, May 14, at 9:00am. You can read more about it and signup here.