A Nice Cuppa

The American Bird Conservancy is offering Cerulean Warbler Conservation Coffee. The Cerulean Warbler is North America’s fastest declining songbird. This songbird nests in the shade plantations of Central Columbia during the winter months. Most coffee beans are grown in direct sunlight. Coffee farmers clear out all native vegitation and trees and plant the coffee bushes in the cleared field. This is know as “sun grown” coffee, but the traditional way to grow coffee is with bushes partially shaded under a canopy of native trees such as banana, plantain, and citrus. Coffee grown in these conditions is known as “shade grown.” Shade grown coffee plantations are at risk of being converted to sun coffee and other cash crops, resulting in a loss of forest cover and bird habitat. The loss of these plantations is cited as a reason for the bird’s decline.

Proceeds from the coffee sales of Cerulean Warbler Conservation Coffee will be used to maintain the shade plantations and an adjacent Cerulean Warbler forest reserve. By purchasing this premium coffee, those who care about the environment can help traditional coffee cooperatives maintain shade plantations, preserving habitats for the Cerulean Warbler and other migratory songbirds.

Many animals and birds live in the natural vegetation and trees. When this vegetation is cleared by the coffee farmers, the animals have no place to live. Look for the Bird Friendly® logo which certifies that the coffee is shade-grown and protects the habitats of songbirds.