Major Conservation Win for Iconic Minnesota Birding Destination

The Conservation Fund is thrilled to announce that we have protected another 6,000 acres at Sax-Zim Bog in northern Minnesota — expanding conservation in one of the world’s most celebrated birding destinations. With this latest milestone, more than 42,000 acres in and around the bog have now been safeguarded. 

Located northwest of Duluth, Sax-Zim Bog is internationally renowned for its rare mix of boreal peatlands and northern forests. The landscape provides critical habitat for more than 240 bird species, including the iconic Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, and Snowy Owl. Each winter, thousands of birders and outdoor enthusiasts travel here for the Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival to have a chance to witness these species in the wild. 

This newest conservation milestone builds on years of collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis County, and Ecosystem Investment Partners to consolidate and protect sensitive peatlands. Strategic land exchanges have enabled sustainable forestry and responsible development elsewhere — preventing habitat fragmentation and ensuring long-term stewardship of this globally significant ecosystem.