Introduction to Habitat Gardening

October 29, 2020.Reading time 9 minutes.

Introduction to Habitat Gardening by Glenn Olsen Gardening for birds and butterflies is growing increasingly popular with urban and sub-urban homeowners, especially during our stay at home period. This style of gardening utilizes plants (especially native plants) that benefit birds and butterflies. Additionally, we want to build structure in our yard, that is, plant in […]

Farewell to Houston Bird Week 2020

September 30, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Houston Bird Week 2020 just wrapped up and we at Houston Audubon couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout, despite the challenges of a global pandemic and Tropical Storm Beta inundating the region with up to 14 inches of water! Thanks to our partners in conservation, this second annual Bird Week boasted a calendar full […]

The Fourth "R"

July 20, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

By Nhu Bui and Hannah Guyton, Interns, Citizens\’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) You\’ve probably heard all about the three R\’s to save the environment. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It\’s been drilled into our heads since childhood, and these steps are undoubtedly crucial parts to creating a sustainable society. However, this month we are focusing on the lesser-known fourth […]

4 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution Locally this Plastic Free July

July 13, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

By Sasha Francis, Community Engagement Coordinator, Galveston Bay Foundation Plastic pollution in waterways is a huge problem all around the world with concerning global and local impacts. In the Houston-Galveston area, plastic pollution increases flood risks to neighborhoods when it is trapped in drains, causes water quality issues, and creates an unsightly view while you […]

Skip the plastic, save a pelican.

June 3, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Every spring, Houston Audubon and other conservation organizations along the Texas coast participate in the Texas Colonial Waterbird Surveys to help monitor population trends in our state’s seabirds and wading birds. Houston Audubon, Audubon Texas and several additional undivided interest owners co-own North Deer Island, the largest and most productive breeding colony in Galveston Bay. […]

Critical habitat is closer than you think – Rice University students create a Habitat Conservation Plan to support wildlife in our city

May 4, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Across the world, species are rapidly disappearing before our eyes. This is a biodiversity crisis. Urbanization has caused habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, which contribute to the decrease in global biodiversity. At Rice University, fifteen students signed up for Dr. Cassidy Johnson’s Conservation Biology Lab in hopes of making changes on their campus and in […]

Lights Out Texas! Dark Skies for Bird Safety

April 27, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Spring bird migration is in its peak over Texas, filling Houston with a plethora of colorful, melodious visitors. Turning out nonessential lights from April 19 – May 7 is one of the most impactful local actions you can make to save the lives of birds on their journey. As an extension of the city-wide Lights […]

A wonderful example of passionate youth making a difference for wildlife

April 14, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

Next time you visit Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, you will notice 35 new native trees and shrubs, all marked with green tape. These new additions were procured and planted by Caleb Wilson, an intrepid young Boy Scout working to earn his Eagle Scout ranking. Caleb led a group of about 20 other scouts, students […]

Why would you burn a wildlife sanctuary?

April 8, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Prescribed Fire for Habitat ManagementPete Deichmann, Coastal Sanctuaries Manager On March 5, 2020, we executed a prescribed fire at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary with our friends at US Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. March 5, 2020Bolivar Flats Shorebird SanctuaryTemperature – 55 degrees Relative humidity – 60% Surface winds – Northeast at 21 […]