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I-95 Landfill Complex Grassland Bird Habitat

In a 2024 study, county staff and a Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) partner completed bird point count surveys in a 50-acre section of closed landfill where mowing had been significantly reduced. 29 species were noted, including three of regional or continental concern: Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Based on the study recommendations, county staff limit landfill mowing during the nesting season and raise the mower blades to a height of 8 inches.

A Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) sits on a methane well.

DPWES staff performs a point count survey at sunrise.

DPWES staff discusses the point count survey methodology with a Northern Virginia Bird Alliance partner.

A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) perches on a methane well.

An Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), a grassland bird of continental concern, rests on a methane well.

A Northern Virginia Bird Alliance partner scans the meadow for grassland birds.

A Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) adds stunning color to the meadow grasses.

The methane wells scattered throughout the meadow are a popular perch for birds.

DPWES staff survey the closed landfill as part of the grassland bird study.

Photo Attributed to Elizabeth Lyons. A male and female Dickcissel (Spiza americana) at sunrise.

Photo Attributed to Elizabeth Lyons. A Dickcissel (Spiza americana) spotted by a Northern Virginia Bird Alliance partner.

The I-95 Landfill Complex continues to serve as a leading example of biodiversity conservation on closed landfill sites through the integration of bird-friendly management practices. In spring 2025, NVBA volunteers and a county staff member continued the bird point count surveys. Three of Virginia’s grassland nesters, Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Dickcissel, were observed during the surveys. Notably, the Grasshopper Sparrow, a grassland nester experiencing regional population declines, was the most detected species.

For more information on the study, read the Bird Monitoring Report 2025.

You can also learn more by listening to the EnviroPod episode: Grassland Birds at the I-95 Landfill.

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I-95 Landfill Complex Grassland Bird Habitat

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