The Houston Audubon Society

LAND & HABITAT CONSERVATION: Houston Audubon renewed its Land Trust Accreditation in 2023 following initial accreditation in 2017. This achievement attests to Houston Audubon's ability to steward its 17 nature sanctuaries on the Upper Texas Coast and thereby protect over 4,100 acres of critical habitat for 300+ species of migratory and resident birds. The sanctuaries are managed with an emphasis on bird monitoring and protection, habitat restoration, and providing public access to nature. Continued on Schedule OIn FY 22-23 Houston Audubon completed new nature trails and boardwalks at its Horseshoe Marsh and Winters Bayou sanctuaries and significantly expanded coastal habitat restoration efforts through both contract and volunteer services. By 2023 a total of 105 acres were under active management for intensive eradication of invasive plants at Houston Audubon's coastal sanctuaries.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION: Houston Audubon delivered 510 nature-based programs to over 15,000 youth and adults in FY 2023, including presentations to school and community groups, field trips, and bird watch events. Building partnerships and engaging the community were key, as evidenced by the 19 organizations that engaged with Houston Audubon to sponsor 43 events for the fourth annual Houston Bird Week in September and by ongoing initiatives to provide nature programs and bird walks to Houston's Sunnyside and Gulfton communities. With its Lights Out for Birds program, Houston Audubon staff and volunteers monitored and collected data on bird window strikes and inspired action by individuals and businesses to turn off their exterior lights during nights with high migration forecasts.