Historically, NYC Bird Alliance has advocated for the conservation of natural areas in New York City with two primary goals in mind: the preservation of habitat for birds, and the safeguarding of ecological services that protect both people and wildlife in our city. Projects such as Buffer the Bay (1987), Buffer the Bay Revisited (1993), and Jamaica Bay Coastal Habitat Restoration Project (1994-1996) aimed to protect land surrounding Jamaica Bay as bird habitat, and as a buffer from storms and flooding. 

Protecting and preserving coastal habitat remains a critical priority. In recent years, as the need to protect the City has become ever more imperative in the face of climate change, city planners have begun to design built infrastructure to mimic the ecosystem services provided by natural areas. Efforts to directly preserve natural habitat and create green urban infrastructure are, in fact, complementary.

NYC Bird Alliance advocates for: legislation that incentivizes the creation of green roofs and green infrastructure, to make the city more resilient for birds and for people.