What is Bird Friendly coffee?

Bird Friendly coffee beans come from farms that provide forest-like habitats for birds. Most commercial coffees are grown on land that has been cleared out for farming, but Bird Friendly coffees are completely shade-grown. This means that they are planted under a diverse canopy of native trees, and these trees provide a habitat for native birds and other wildlife that is second only to undisturbed forest. Bird Friendly coffees are also 100% organic!

A bag of coffee with the Bird Friendly seal is backed by years of scientific research by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, and the seal is considered the gold standard in eco-friendly and organic farming. Coffees are only certified Bird Friendly when their growers meet requirements backed by Smithsonian conservation science. Bird Friendly coffees are the only 100% shade-grown, 100% organic coffees certified by third party inspectors.

Why does it matter?

Sun-grown coffee ripens faster than shade-grown coffee. Because of this, around three quarters of the world’s coffee farms destroy forest habitat in order to grow their coffee in the sun. When these forests disappear, so do the migratory songbirds. Most commercial growers also use harmful fertilizers and chemical pesticides that poison the land for anything that isn’t coffee.

Dense tropical forests, like the ones cleared for commercial coffee production, aren’t just a habitat for birds and other wildlife – they also help us! Tropical forests have a strong cooling effect throughout the year and help to regulate their local climate. The loss of this land has a compounding effect and has been a catalyst for dramatic climate change in coffee growing regions.

Forests matter, and Bird Friendly coffees help combat habitat loss and climate change through sustainable and eco-forward practices that conserve our planet’s tropical forests, promote biodiversity, and support migratory songbird populations.

Where do I find Bird Friendly coffee?

Right here at the Zoo! In collaboration with Calm Waters Coffee Roasters based in Bristol, Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is now offering Bird Friendly coffee! You can visit our ShopLVZOO online store from your computer or mobile device, or come see us in person and visit the Nature store. You can also add a bag of coffee onto any education programming package!

Other Bird Friendly coffee can be found at many health food retailers, including some chain stores like Whole Foods! Use the Bird Friendly retailer search ↪ to find a store near you, or purchase online ↪!

   Order your Calm Waters Coffee at ShopLVZOO!

   Learn more about Bird Friendly coffee!