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MARCH 2022
The volunteer appreciation picnic held last month at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary was reminiscent of a classic Houston Audubon gathering-- it was welcoming, fun, and full of conversation.  We are so grateful to everyone who came. In addition to celebrating our volunteers, it was the perfect prelude to springtime at Houston Audubon, on and off the trails.  Like native flora and fauna, we delight in the season soon to come as we prepare our sanctuaries and urban spaces for migration. A few new, exciting events are also on the horizon. Join us this spring!
~ Helen Drummond, Executive Director
It's time to turn your Lights Out! 
Most North American migratory birds fly at night, and city lights can disorient birds on their paths, resulting in fatal collisions. The Upper Texas Coast is an important migratory path for birds, and they depend on us to provide safe passage through the Houston-Galveston area. Throughout migration, and particularly during storm fronts, turning Lights Out for Birds can make a big impact on their survival.
We encourage businesses, buildings, and individuals across the state to turn off all nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. throughout spring migration.

Spring Migration: March 1 - June 15 | Peak period: April 23 - May 10

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 3
Jim Blackburn and Isabelle Scurry Chapman will present selected highlights from their "Virus Vigil"—a year-long virtual event with paintings and poetry produced and transmitted each day. Their inspiration is the natural world and native birds, plants, and animals. Enjoy guided improvisations led by Joanna Friesen and a visit from Houston Audubon's education ambassador birds. Beer provided by Bakfish Brewing. 
April 9
Please join us for our newest fundraising event, Evening on the Canopy, at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary. We will gather in the renovated historic pumphouse and along the Kathrine G. McGovern Canopy Walkway to celebrate the wonder of spring migration, get an up close and personal view of the nesting birds in the rookeries, and enjoy an array of locally prepared food, drinks, and birdy activities.
Tickets now available for purchase, including a chartered bus option.
March 12, April 23, May 7
We're pleased to collaborate on the nature-based experiences offered under the 4-part Witness Series, which explores African-American connections to the Land of Southeast Texas. Each experience was designed to bring communities together through the power of nature and provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities.
VIEW ALL EVENTS

AROUND OUR SANCTUARIES

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

We're grateful to H-E-B for sponsoring our brand new turtle pond deck at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary! Some of the H-E-B area community coordinators came out for a workday and made dozens of native seed packets and hundreds of plant labels for the Natives Nursery.
Another thank you to Eagle Scout Matthew Fenz, who removed and replaced two benches near the turtle pond and repaired the railing along the walkway between the creek and the pond.  
Spring Break Pokébon Camp | March 14 - 18
In our spring break camp, children ages 7-11 years old will explore the unique ecology of our world with crafts, games, and badges inspired by the Pokémon world. Join Professors Salas and Gapayao and their trusty Pokémon, Warbly, for an exciting adventure this spring! Register »
Eastern Screech-Owl spotted on a Night Hike
Visitors on our Night Hikes have been treated to lots of exciting wildlife lately! Attendees were greeted in the parking lot by a Barred Owl and later saw an Eastern Screech-Owl swoop at a Swamp Rabbit (which it ultimately decided to leave alone). On another hike, there was a rare sighting of a Flying Squirrel! We can't guarantee the wild animals will cooperate, but we can guarantee you'll meet Violet Pickles, our ambassador opossum, if you sign up for an upcoming Night Hike
If you're more of a daytime person, you can join us on a Guided Tour of the sanctuary!

Raptor and Education Center 

The Raptor Center is busy with tours for homeschooling families, seniors and schools, who get to enjoy the new "top of the forest" deck completed by scout Morgan Kuo for his Eagle project! 
We had our first booking for our newest photography opportunity, a private Raptor One-on-One photo shoot. The photographers spent an hour with Brazos and Rocky, taking lots of photos while learning all about the hard working raptors of Houston Audubon. Book your Raptor One-on-One here »
There are always lots of fun activities happening at the Raptor Center, such as Owl Prowls, Guided Tours, Raptor Photo Shoots, and more! Or, you can visit for as little as $5 (free for members) and explore on your own! 
Beach Cleanup with SPLASh & Keep Bolivar Beautiful

High Island and Bolivar Flats

We conducted a clean-up at Horseshoe Marsh on Frenchtown Road, which is frequently used by the public for fishing and crabbing, and volunteers picked up almost 1,800 lbs of trash!  In other news, additional posts were added to the vehicular barrier at Bolivar Flats to help with trespassing issues.
Our next Bolivar Flats beach cleanup is on March 5th. Register here »
In High Island, Great Egrets are displaying and nest-building at the rookery in Smith Oaks. Staff and volunteers are getting the sanctuaries ready for spring migration activities, and we could use your help!
Our last High Island workday of the season is March 12th. Register here »
We also need volunteers to help with High Island Spring Migration admissions, merchandise sales, and answering visitor questions about birds or the sanctuaries. Learn more »

NEWS & BIRDING

WAYS TO HELP

Support Houston Audubon and get great membership benefits like free admission to the Raptor Center, free member birding trips, discounts at our Natives Nursery Open House events and nature stores, and more! 
Support our education ambassador animals by adopting a bird! Funds from honorary adoptions go towards all care of the animals, including food, housing, healthcare, and more. 
Purchase our new specialty license plate, featuring an Eastern Meadowlark, to support our mission of bird conservation! $22 of the annual $30 plate fee comes to Houston Audubon. 
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