Missouri River Bird Observatory

Thank you for visiting our CoMoGives page!  
Please note that thanks to a group of generous supporters, your CoMoGives contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 (for a grand total of $40,000 for conservation programs!) 

Why we're here
Did you know that North American birds have declined by almost a third just since 1970? Many of our familiar species, including some favorite backyard birds, are noticeably fewer in number. That’s why we do what we do here at the Missouri River Bird Observatory – work every day to reduce threats to birds and reverse their population declines. Because ecological systems are interconnected, what benefits birds and their habitats also helps people and our shared environments!

The Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO) is led by a team of six passionate professionals, joined seasonally by additional biologists and educators. Meet the people behind our mission on our Staff page.

MRBO’s work focuses on three key areas: Science, Education, and Advocacy. Here’s a look at what we do. 

Science: Our field biologists survey birds and ecosystems in some of Missouri’s most critical habitats, including prairies and wetlands. Each year, we cover around 60,000 acres across 70-80 sites in Missouri and nearby states. Using advanced tools like ESRI ArcGIS and drone mapping, we collect real-time data on bird populations and habitat health. This data is shared with public agencies, such as the Missouri Department of Conservation, as well as private landowners involved in conservation efforts. You can learn more about our Science program here.

Education: MRBO is passionate about sparking curiosity and fostering conservation awareness through education for all ages. In 2024 alone, we’ve conducted 180 education events across Missouri, offering hands-on opportunities that bring people closer to nature and inspire them to connect with local birds and ecosystems.

For young learners, MRBO hosts interactive birdwatching excursions, citizen science projects, and summer camps that build foundational knowledge and appreciation for wildlife. In schools, our tailored curriculum integrates science with real-world conservation issues, engaging students through classroom visits, field trips, and virtual sessions.

Adults can engage in deep-learning opportunities through 15-20 online classes each year, covering topics from bird identification to sustainable landscaping for bird-friendly habitats. Additionally, our public seminars and community events create welcoming spaces for people to gain insight into ecology, sustainable practices, and small daily actions that support bird conservation. Our goal is to make conservation approachable, fun, and a part of everyday life for individuals, families, and communities.

Advocacy: In collaboration with partners across Missouri, the U.S., and internationally, MRBO advocates for science-based conservation policies that benefit wildlife and people alike. We work closely with policy analysts, environmental lawyers, researchers, and elected officials to establish informed policy positions on key issues like water quality, pollution control, and habitat conservation. We then share these insights with other conservation advocates and governmental representatives in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C.

Thank you for considering MRBO during CoMoGives. Your support helps us continue our mission to protect birds, preserve habitats, and inspire communities to take part in conservation.