Dear Friend,
Here are the latest happenings at Houston Audubon.
| |
| While Houston Audubon ushered in the year on the wings of celebrating 50 years of promoting and protecting birds and their natural environments, this year’s challenges–from canceled programming to sanctuary closures–tested our resilience. But we ended the year with greater resolve, and along the way, new opportunities were discovered and some really great things happened.
| |
| We are truly thankful to our donors, members, and volunteers for helping us better serve the residents and visitors of the Houston Gulf Coast Region.
| |
| | TEXAS COASTAL BARRIER STUDY
| |
| Houston Audubon is working to better understand the environmental impacts of the massive gate and levee system being proposed by the Corps of Engineers. The currently proposed project raises more concerns than it addresses. A project of this magnitude, impact, and expense requires much more consideration of the potentially destructive long-term effects. Houston Audubon’s Advocacy Committee is working on specific comments to the study which are due to the Corps of Engineers by December 14, 2020. Meanwhile, we and other conservation groups have requested an extension of the comment period, and we have prepared a general statement.
| |
| | Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
| |
Houston Audubon’s Natives Nursery has a new greenhouse thanks to the generous donations of BP Foundation, Inc., Karen Hoffman & Les Pearce, and many others. Our smaller greenhouse was destroyed after a tree came down during a wind storm in early March. The new greenhouse more than doubles our capacity, allowing the nursery to continue to grow native seedlings throughout the winter. These plants will go to partners, the public, and to Houston Audubon sanctuaries to provide habitat for native insects and birds across our region.
Check out our bird feeder camera to keep an eye on the Edith Moore birds from home. Share your findings with us by tagging us on social media!
The Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM (open on holidays). The parking lot and restroom remain closed, but there is access through the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church parking lot. Visitor Information »
| |
| | Raptor and Education Center
| |
Get an inside look with a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about our native raptors, raptor conservation, and get up close and personal with our education birds.
Upcoming tours: December 12, January 23
| |
The Raptor and Education Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Call (713) 640-2407 to schedule your time slot.
Closed Dec 23 – 28 for the holidays.
| |
| | High Island and Bolivar Flats
| |
We're excited to unveil the 2021 High Island patch, featuring an Orange-crowned Warbler. The wonderful patch artwork is done by Linda Feltner, an award-winning nature artist and educator. 2021 patches are now available for pre-order.
2020 patches, featuring the Pine Warbler, are valid through 2021 due to COVID restrictions this spring. Order a patch »
| |
High Island sanctuaries are open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free for the remainder of the season. Restrooms are closed. Construction at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary is ongoing, and the Old Mexico Rd. entrance will remain closed till further notice. Visitors may use the Winnie St. entrance.
Visitor Information »
| |
| Join us on a Christmas Bird Count!
Audubon's 121st Christmas Bird Count will be conducted between December 14 – January 5. Join a local count in Houston or participate by birding in your own backyard! If you're interested in participating, reach out to the compiler for our local CBC. Details »
| |
| Join Houston Audubon volunteers on a bird survey! All levels of experience are welcome.
If you're new to birdwatching, this is an excellent way to start.
| |
Enjoy free classes with HANPA! The Houston Audubon Nature Photography Association (HANPA) is an informal photo club for Houston Audubon members. Meetings are held monthly on the first Wednesday from September - May.
December 2: Join Ray Bednar virtually as he relives an unforgettable photo safari to Kenya where he had the opportunity to photograph the "Big 5" - Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, and Rhinoceros, as well as giraffe, zebra, wild dogs, various birds, and the GREAT wildebeest migration and river crossing.
| |
Houston Audubon strives to preserve nature and restore avian ecosystems at the community and landscape level to help ensure the benefits of a healthy environment are available to you, the birds, and future generations.
| |
With your help, we can continue to offer nature-based experiences, protect and restore nature-rich green spaces, and create safer places for birds through community engagement, habitat enhancement, and land protection.
| |
|
| The application deadline for the 2021 Young Professionals Advisory Council is this Friday, December 4.
| |
| If you're a young professional that would like to dedicate your time and talents to helping birds and engaging the next generation of young conservationists, this may be the opportunity for you!
| |
| Give back to birds with this unique gift idea. Support the care of our ambassador animals at the Raptor Center with an honorary adoption.
| |
For more great ideas on bird-friendly holiday gifts, check out our latest blog post.
| |
| Check out our Birdvent Calendar for 25 days of fun surprises. Meet the Houston Audubon animals (we use the word "bird" loosely) and learn something new about each one. Start with Day 1 today!
| |
| Owl Prowls
Meet and learn about our live, rehabilitated owls, and then join us in search of wild owls on the wooded trails. For all ages.
| |
| December 18: Raptor and Education Center
December 19: Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
| |
| From supporting our staff at our headquarters and maintaining trails at our bird sanctuaries, to increasing appreciation and understanding of birds throughout Houston and more, volunteers are the lifeblood of Houston Audubon!
| |
| All members are welcome to join us on an early morning birdy excursion to the Katy Prairie on Saturday, January 16.
Members 50 and older are invited to join our bus trip to Cullinan Park and Sugar Land Memorial Park on Friday, December 11.
| |
| Your donations and memberships make these programs possible, and allow us to continue our mission to advance bird conservation and positively impact their supporting environments.
Join or Renew your Membership »
| |
|
