Dear friend,
July marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for Houston Audubon. As the Board approves the new budget and annual conservation initiatives are being prepared, we will also be assessing our organizational strengths, conservation challenges and opportunities, and emerging needs. Over the next year, Houston Audubon’s 10-year strategic plan will be evaluated, and we will set new goals and explore new strategies to deliver conservation, inspire people, and advance our knowledge through 2033. We are looking forward to charting our next course of action and furthering progress to create more healthy, resilient communities that support birds and ensure equitable access to enjoying their beauty and wonder for years to come.
~ Helen Drummond, Executive Director
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Join us at a Purple Martin Watch Party this Summer!
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Presented by CenterPoint Energy
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Purple Martins migrate from South America beginning in late January to nest across North America. Before heading back south for the winter, Purple Martins gather in larger numbers and feed on flying insects to fuel up for their long journey. At dusk, groups of up to 500,000 come together to roost. You can witness this spectacle with us at a Purple Martin Watch Party! Grab your friends and family, bring a lawn chair, and join us for a unique experience!
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT HOUSTON AUDUBON
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Join us for a bird survey this summer! Houston Audubon conducts 18 monthly surveys across the region to gather data that will help scientists evaluate population changes and understand which species might require special management. All birding experience levels welcome! Not all surveys run through the summer, so be sure to check our calendar.
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Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution and do their part for cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. Houston Audubon is committed to reducing plastic use within our organization and our staff are participating by taking the Plastic Free Challenge! Join the Plastic Free Houston Facebook group to stay connected and share tips!Â
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Looking for something fun for the kids to do this summer? Check out our camps at the Raptor Center! Your camper will get to interact with many of the education ambassador raptors that reside at the Center, participate in outdoor activities, go on exploratory nature hikes, and more! Spots are also available at select camps at Edith Moore.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR - COMING THIS FALL!
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| October 20, 2022 at The Revaire
Support  Houston Audubon at our annual fundraising dinner, Avian Affair, which will celebrate the connection between art and nature and feature keynote speaker, nationally-recognized artist Dixie Friend Gay. Learn more »
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September 17-24, 2022
Get excited for Houston Bird Week 2022! Bird Week is a celebration of the important role Houston plays in the journey of billions of birds. Free and low-cost events centered around birds offer something fun for everyone to take part in! Learn more »
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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The summer heat is making some of our plants look a little droopy, so we welcome any rain that might come our way! We have a pump that fills the pond to keep the frogs, turtles, and other critters happy. The Tuesday Trail Crew is hard at work improving boardwalks and will be deepening the big pond to improve habitat. We appreciate all their hard work in this very hot weather!
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The good news is that it's usually about 10 degrees cooler on our shaded trails, so be sure to stop by and enjoy some nature in the city!Â
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Raptor and Education Center
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Summer Camp is in full swing for our Education Department. Campers are learning about bird and wildlife conservation around the globe, the importance of water and how aquatic habitats function, and making lots of memories! We are grateful to our camp volunteers from Stratford High School and St. Agnes Academy.Â
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In addition to Houston Audubon camps, we also host field trips for other camps. Tours include learning about our ambassador birds and raptor conservation as well as what it takes to run the center.
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Summer programming also includes Summer Reading Programs, which highlight great books about birds and bird conservation. You may be able to catch us at a library near you!
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Note: The Raptor and Education Center is open by appointment only due to summer camps. Please call (713) 640-2407 to schedule your visit! We will reopen with new fall events and hours starting August 22.Â
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The heat of summer seems to have arrived early this year, but that hasn’t stopped the birds at Bolivar Flats. The first Wilson's Plovers have fledged, and several Least Terns are now flight-capable as well! Nests are still on the ground so please take care and walk at the water’s edge.
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Construction of the new Morse Field Station in High Island is moving along nicely and the foundation is almost complete.
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Drought conditions have had us wishing for rain lately, but with a small weather system brewing in the Gulf, it seems our prayers might be answered shortly.
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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.
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| 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!Â
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Purchase our 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.Â
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