Welcome to Kayla Kutka, Birds Houston Coastal Conservation Technician

Please welcome the newest Coastal Conservation Technician to join us in High Island this season – Kayla Kutka! Kayla is from Westchester, New York and graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science: Ecosystems. Her interest in birds began when taking her first ornithology class and has only grown since. Kayla […]

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Earth Day at Burnett Bayland Park

Agustina Ruiz, Hispanic Community Development Manager, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto As the Hispanic Community Development Senior Manager for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, I regularly witness the power of community-centered programming to inspire, connect, and uplift girls and their families. Our council’s recent partnership with Houston Audubon, Commissioner Leslie Briones at Burnett Bayland […]

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A Legacy Takes Flight: Tom Maddux and Peach Creek Woods

By Karen Mitchell Smith When Tom Maddux purchased 128 acres on upper Peach Creek in 1992, maybe he thought, “this place is for the birds.” Tom named the Montgomery County tract Peach Creek Woods. Dense with native hardwoods and pines, the land was undeveloped. And, importantly, located smack in the Central Flyway and upper Gulf […]

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Welcome to Cheryl Newcomb, Houston Audubon’s New Development Director

Cheryl Newcomb is a fundraising professional with more than 25 years of leadership experience advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic resource development. She brings a strong track record of building sustainable fundraising programs that connect people to purpose and drive long-term impact. Prior to joining Houston Audubon, Cheryl led development efforts at the Contemporary Arts Museum […]

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Welcome to Isaac Boden, Houston Audubon’s New Coastal Avian Technician

Isaac has been birdwatching for over a decade and is now turning that passion into a career. He spent the first 11 years of his life in southeastern China, then moved to Starkville, Mississippi for school. He received an associate’s degree in animal sciences at East Mississippi Community College and a bachelor’s in biology with […]

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In Memoriam: Craig Damuth, a Champion for Conservation

Houston Audubon is sad to share the passing of a dear friend and visionary conservationist, Steven Craig Damuth. Craig didn’t just appreciate nature; he dedicated his life to ensuring it would endure for generations. From his early days birding and fishing in the pineywoods of East Texas, Craig developed a deep-seated belief that habitat was […]

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Welcome to Channing Mena, Houston Audubon’s New Education Specialist

Channing Mena, Houston Audubon's New Education Specialist

Channing Mena is a Houston native with a BS in Marine Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Texas A&M Galveston. Prior to starting at Houston Audubon, she worked at the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center locally and Artist Boat in Galveston. She is excited to continue to be a part of the Greater Houston […]

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Welcome to Mary Goodchild, Houston Audubon’s New Operations Director

Mary Goodchild, Houston Audubon Operations Director

Mary Goodchild is a proud new Houstonian who has spent the last two decades in Los Angeles. As a Louisiana native, finding herself once again surrounded by bayous feels like a homecoming! Her career in nonprofit management is built on a strong foundation in nonprofit accounting and finance, with over 15 years of hands-on experience […]

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Welcome to Carissa Aguirre, Houston Audubon’s New Marketing Specialist

Carissa Aguirre is a Houston native, marketer, and professional photographer with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University. She blends her marketing expertise with a creative eye for visual storytelling and community-centered content. Prior to joining Houston Audubon, Carissa led social media and event efforts for City Orchard Cidery. […]

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Welcome to Colleen, Robert, and Spencer, Houston Audubon’s New Coastal Conservation Technicians!

Please join us in welcoming our new seasonal coastal conservation technicians, Colleen McDonough, Robert Buckert, and Spencer Poling! Our new techs will work at our coastal sanctuaries through the end of spring, helping with maintenance, habitat restoration, and day-to-day operations. Be sure to introduce yourself and say hello if you see them around our sanctuaries! […]

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