Dear friend,
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Here's what's happening at Houston Audubon this month!
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Houston Audubon owns and manages 17 bird sanctuaries totaling over 4,000 acres, many of which are open to the public! Our most frequented sanctuaries include the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in west Houston and our High Island and Bolivar Flats sanctuaries on the coast.Â
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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It’s still winter but spring has begun to sneak its way into the sanctuary. Keep an eye out for beautiful cedar waxwings gorging themselves on Holly berries. Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets are flitting about the soft and sweet colors of the Eastern Redbud blooms. Staff and volunteers are keeping busy as bees to get as much work done in the sanctuary as possible while the weather is cool. The work done here is completed by members of staff and volunteer groups including our Trail Crew, Sanctuary Stewards, Weekend Workday Volunteers, and our Native Nursery Volunteers. Progress has been made in the sanctuary along our trails, with the old Titmouse Crossing bridge replaced by a clean trail. Notable sightings in our sanctuary include a Summer Tanager, an American Woodcock, and the occasional box turtle! Please remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace!
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March marks the beginning of our busiest season on the coast, Spring Migration! Millions of birds and thousands of bird-enthusiasts visit our sanctuaries from March through May. Our first spring migrants in High Island-the Purple Martins-arrived right on schedule this year, appearing on February 9th, marking the start of the season. By the end of May, millions of birds will have crossed the Gulf of Mexico on their way to northerly breeding grounds. Depending on the weather on any given day, any number of these birds may well find their way to one of our coastal sanctuaries. It's an exciting time of energy and momentum, with endless possibilities for what you may find around the next bend in the trail. As hectic as prepping for spring is, the coastal staff are excited for what spring has in store.
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Our final High Island volunteer workday of the season will be Saturday, March 9th. This workday is our last big opportunity to put the finishing touches on trail work before the start of the visitation season, along with other tasks such as getting the drips fired up and setting up the photo blind. We'd love for you to join us!
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The 2024 visitor kiosk dates are as follows:
Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary: March 9 - May 5
Boy Scout Woods Bird Sanctuary: March 29 - May 5
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| High Island Volunteer Appreciation Picnic & Training
Our High Island volunteer appreciation picnic will be held on Saturday, March 30. We hope all who have donated their time, energy, and expertise can make it to the picnic. We want to thank our volunteers for contributing to the management and continued success of the High Island and other Houston Audubon sanctuaries. We’re proud to own and manage this land and share them with birds and human visitors alike. Maintaining the quality of habitat we strive for would not be possible without the help of volunteers, and we know you all recognize these places are special.
After the picnic, there will also be a short training going over the protocols for the admissions kiosk. This will be a good opportunity for folks looking to volunteer running admissions during the spring to familiarize themselves with the process, whether it be your first time or as a refresher prior to the start of the busy spring season.
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Highlighting the 2024 Witness Series: Exploring Indigenous, African American, Latino, and Asian Connections to Nature and Art
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The Witness Series is Artist Led, Nature Centered and Community Driven. This 4-part series explores the many profound experiences that Communities of Color have in the Land of Southeast Texas. Please join us at E.R. and Ann Taylor Park on Saturday, March 23 for Part 2 - “Bear Witness”": African American History and Connection to the Land. This participatory public art experience is designed to introduce the public to Ann Taylor’s life and journey. An artist led Ancestor Altar will be created to allow for visitors to Ann Taylor’s gravesite to leave messages of love and good will. Along the park’s trail, attendees will bear witness to sound baths and narratives collected in partnership with the Houston Public Library’s (HLP) Gregory School. A hands-on community workshop will be held that helps attendees to make art that archives photos of their ancestors. Visitors will bear witness to the power of Ann Taylor's legacy through the beauty of nature, art and stories shared.
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Focus on the Good Binocular Donation Program đź’™
Give your binoculars a second life! We've teamed up with Land Sea & Sky to refurbish and distribute your donated binoculars to underprivileged individuals in our community and guides in developing countries.Â
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Conservation License Plate đźš—
Show your love of birds when you hit the road! Order your specialty license plate to support bird conservation while driving around town. $22 of the $30 annual fee comes to Houston Audubon.
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Join the flock - become a member today! 🦅
Join Houston Audubon today to start getting access to free members-only birding trips, free admission to select events like the speaker series, two annual mailed publications, discounts at Houston Audubon shops, and more!
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