Dear friend,
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February gives us a moment to reflect on an extraordinary community accomplishment. Because of your generosity and shared commitment to conservation, Houston Audubon successfully raised the funds needed to secure the final puzzle piece of Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary. This is a major win for the resident and migratory birds that depend on this vital coastal habitat.
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This achievement shows what’s possible when people come together around a common purpose. We’re excited to be out in the community sharing that success—helping others discover the joy of birds and better understand their importance to healthy ecosystems.
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- Jed Aplaca, President & CEO
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Summer camp registration is now open!
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June 8-12: Bird Buddies Camp for ages 6-8
Young explorers become junior ornithologists at Bird Buddies Camp! Through nature walks, hands-on science, and creative art projects, campers will learn to identify native Texas birds by sight and sound while fueling a lifelong passion for nature.
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June 22-26: Pond Explorers Camp for ages 9-12
Dive into the world of ponds! Campers will investigate the creatures living above and below the water while learning how water quality affects local wildlife. Through pond-dipping, nature hikes, and art, we’ll turn curiosity into hands-on discovery.
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Camps at Edith L. Moore fill up quickly! Register now »
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Houston Audubon owns and manages over 4,100 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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By John LeaRussa, ELMNS Sanctuary Lead
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We have had a lot of owl sightings this month here at Edith L. Moore. This Barred Owl certainly doesn’t seem to mind the chilly temperatures that January has brought our way, and neither do our other furry and feathered friends. It’s a great time to come out to the sanctuary and see how well nature adapts to temperature swings, unless you are set on spotting some turtles. They've hunkered down under the boardwalks and are not too happy about this colder weather.  Â
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We've planted 13 new trees this winter and are looking at getting one or two more in the ground before the season ends. The Trail Crew is keeping their eye on the young trees to ensure they have the best chance at survival. The summer months will be the real test, when the temperatures soar and the ground gets very dry.
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Don’t forget to stop by our Nature Shop in the admin building between the hours of 9 AM – 3 PM from Monday–Friday. Plans are underway to re-open the shop in the cabin and be open on Saturdays - stay tuned!
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On the Coast - High Island and Bolivar Flats
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By Wyatt Egelhoff, Sanctuary Manager
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Thank you to the volunteers that joined us for our January High Island workday. We not only managed to clear some areas adjacent to trails for better viewing this spring, but also got the Smith Oaks parking lot in better shape to accommodate our visitors. Our next High Island Volunteer Workday will be Saturday, February 14th (8:30-12:00). What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by eradicating non-native plants and a complimentary lunch afterwards? The next Coastal Natives Nursery Workday will be Friday, February 13th (9:00-12:00). In addition to general nursery maintenance, such as weeding, these cooler months are the best time to propagate various trees and shrubs via cuttings. Plants grown in this nursery are primarily planted back in our sanctuaries to improve the habitat for birds and other wildlife.
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February heralds the return of the first notable neotropical migrants to the Texas Coast, the Purple Martins. Typically materializing within the first ten days of the month, their burbling calls serve as a preamble to the flood of migrants we can expect in only a few weeks’ time. Louisiana Waterthrush, Pine, Black-and-white, and Yellow-throated Warblers also begin moving into our region by the end of February. By mid-February the Neotropic Cormorants and Great Egrets will have begun their nuptial displays and nest building in earnest.
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More upcoming events on the coast:
- Bolivar Flats Beach Ramble: Saturday, February 7th from 10:00-12:00Â
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Join staff for a walk along the beach and discover the diversity of life along the Gulf Coast. Get your questions answered about anything from from seashells to sandpipers.
- North Jetty Beach Clean-up: Saturday, February 28th from 9:00-12:00
- These efforts remove litter that can eventually make its way into Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.
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By Schyler Brown, Bird-Friendly Communities Program Manager
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Did you know that Houston is part of the Urban Bird Treaty? This nationwide U.S. Fish and Wildlife treaty encourages cities to take action in three main areas of bird conservation: Habitat Conservation, Hazard Reduction, and Community Education/Engagement. In order for a city to qualify as a part of the treaty, local and government organizations within the city must complete a number of actions to show that their city supports birds. The benefits are tremendous, as cities all over the U.S. gain a network to communicate their ideas and successes, and birds are better off as their habitats improve and people are made aware of their incredible lives. Additionally, organizations driving their cities are given priority on grants. Learn more about the Urban Bird Treaty Program!
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By Casey Smith, Coastal Community Liaison
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Houston Audubon was thrilled to be included in the Bolivar Peninsula’s inaugural family event…Courir de Mardi Gras! Hosted by the Motley Krewe of Crystal Beach in partnership with the new Bolivar Arena Association, the event brought an old Louisiana Mardi Gras tradition to the Peninsula for the first time.
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Locals and visitors sampled gumbo from about 30 different teams competing in the cookoff, all while enjoying live Cajun music, chicken races, chicken bingo, and a silent auction. During the festivities, attendees stopped by the Houston Audubon booth to learn about the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail (coming 2027!) and the acquisition of the additional 52 acres at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.Â
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The event was a huge success, and the Motley Crew of Crystal Beach plans to continue the Mardi Gras tradition next year!Â
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