Here’s something to think about when you pour yourself your morning cup of coffee: There’s a direct connection between what’s in your mug and the sharply declining numbers of migratory birds. 

Bird populations in the U.S. and Canada are estimated to have dropped by 29 percent (or 3 billion birds) since 1970, and a key factor in the decline is habitat loss. And here’s the coffee connection: Coffee beans were once grown strictly in the shade, but in 1972 a sun-tolerant variety of coffee was introduced. Since then, coffee production around the world has driven large-scale deforestation. 

But there’s an alternative: Bird Friendly Coffee. Launched by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, the program encourages coffee farms to return to producing shade-grown coffee and to restore the land with native trees and shrubs, which provide habitat for migrating birds. 

The rigorous program requires producers to be recertified every three years, and they must sign legal agreements with the Smithsonian, verifying that their Bird Friendly beans are handled and packaged separately, 

According to a Smithsonian spokesperson, the program now has 48 producers, representing 4,000 individual farmers, and is protecting 34,000 acres of habitat in 12 countries. Currently, there are 24 licensed importers trading Bird Friendly certified coffee, and 80 coffee roasters (who pay a fee for the use of the Smithsonian Bird Friendly seal on their products).  

Along with increasing bird habitat, the return to growing coffee in the shade of native trees and shrubs offers many other rewards, according to the Smithsonian website. Among them: climate change mitigation, healthier environments for farm workers and downstream communities, and “better tasting coffee, because shade-grown coffee beans ripen slowly, resulting in a richer flavor.” 

The program has gotten a boost locally, thanks to the Willistown Conservation Trust, which launched the Bird Friendly Coffee Coalition with a group of five area coffee-roasting companies. The Trust, which owns and manages five nature preserves in Chester County, and has a nationally recognized bird conservation program, says its mission for the Coalition is to increase awareness and demand for Bird Friendly coffee.

What a great way to do good: Drink coffee and save the birds!

WHERE TO BUY:

Bird Friendly coffee is available for purchase online from the following Bird Friendly Coffee Coalition local partners. 

Gryphon Coffee Co.
https://www.gryphoncoffee.com

Three locations: Wayne, West Chester, and Philadelphia.
Blackburnian Brew, a medium roast with notes of almond, chocolate, and Caramel: $16 for 12 oz. 

Golden Valley Farms
https://www.goldenvalleyfarms.com

West Chester, Pa. 
French Roast, with tasting notes of smokey, caramel, and chocolate: $16.99 for 12 oz. 
Golden Valley also sells Rain forest Reserve single serve cups,ma medium roast described as full-bodied, with oaky and toasty flavors: $10.99 for a 12-count box. 

The Coffee Scoop
https://www.freshcoffeescoop.com/

Pipersville, Pa. 
Featherweight Blend, a light roast with notes of citrus, pie crust, chocolate, and roasted hazelnut: $17.95 for 12 oz. 

Our Community Cup Coffee
https://ourcommunitycup.coffee

Newtown Square, Pa. 
This socially conscious organization, which provides training and employment to people with disabilities, is currently roasting bird friendly Ethiopian.

Pour Richard’s Coffee
https://pourrichardscoffee.com

Devon, Pa.

Find more Bird Friendly Coffee purveyors at: 

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/buy-bird-friendly-coffee-online