The Houston Audubon Society
About The Houston Audubon Society
Houston Audubon is the group behind some of the most important bird habitat in the Greater Houston Gulf Coast region, including sanctuaries like High Island and Bolivar Flats. It restores habitat, opens the gates for bird walks and guided visits, and helps people in Houston connect with birds in a way that is practical, local, and easy to care about. If you want your support to protect both birds and the places they depend on, this is a clear place to do it.
What sets Houston Audubon apart is how rooted it is in place. Its work centers on critical migration habitat like High Island and Bolivar Flats, while also reaching into neighborhoods with native plants, bird-friendly community efforts, and public education. That gives donors something rare: a way to support land protection, advocacy, and everyday bird access through one regional organization.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Land conservation and sanctuary management
Owns and manages 18 nature sanctuaries across the Greater Houston and Galveston regions, with habitat restoration, bird monitoring, and public access.
Community outreach and education
Provides school visits, camps, field trips, bird walks, surveys, community events, and bird art programming.
Conservation advocacy
Advocates for policy and management actions that support birds and their habitats, including wind siting and lights-out efforts.
Bird-Friendly Communities
Supports actions that make neighborhoods more wildlife-friendly, including native plantings and reducing threats to birds.
Natives Nursery
Sells native plants at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary and offers pickup for plant orders.
Birding and visitor programs
Offers free bird walks and classes during spring migration, urban bird surveys, Christmas Bird Count participation, guided field trips, and photo blind reservations.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To advance the conservation of birds and their habitats in the Greater Houston Gulf Coast region.
Who they serve
Birds and their habitats in the Greater Houston Gulf Coast region, and people who bird, visit sanctuaries, learn about birds, volunteer, or participate in conservation activities.
Their impact
- Owns and manages 18 nature sanctuaries totaling 4,307 acres.
- Reached over 10,000 people while delivering 300 education and outreach programs.
- Raised $3 million to acquire the final 26 acres of habitat at Bolivar Flats, completing the sanctuary at 1,307.83 acres.
- Nearly 400 bird species have been documented on Houston Audubon properties at High Island.
- Received more than 1,000 donations from donors in 39 states for the Horseshoe Marsh acquisition.
How your donation helps
- Sanctuary acquisition and permanent habitat protection
- Habitat restoration and ongoing sanctuary maintenance
- Education and outreach programs
- Native plant nursery operations and plant distribution
- Public access improvements and visitor facilities at sanctuaries
Our story
Houston Audubon began on September 24, 1969, when eighteen men and women came together because they saw a need for environmental education for youth and advocacy for wildlife habitat. From that starting point, it grew into an independent conservation, education, and advocacy organization focused on land conservation, education, conservation advocacy, monitoring, research, and community engagement.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
We believe diversity is a strength.
Land conservation, education, conservation advocacy, monitoring, research, and community engagement.
The flight and song we nurture today defines the quality of life and sense of place we share tomorrow.
Events
Bolivar Flats Beach Rambles
monthlyA free first-Saturday program at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary with a sanctuary manager, beach walking, and coastal ecosystem learning.
Birds and Banter
annualAnnual donor appreciation party for supporters.
Houston Bird Week
annualA week of birding opportunities and public programming in the fall.
Christmas Bird Count
annualA recurring bird count that Houston Audubon began sponsoring in 1969.
Purple Martin Watch Parties
seasonalWatch parties presented with support from CenterPoint Energy Foundation.
High Island guided field trips and tours
spring migrationGuided tours led by Houston Audubon staff for groups during spring migration.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Houston Audubon Society has shared.
Current needs
- Professional wildlife illustrator for the 2027 High Island patch series
- Volunteers for Bolivar Birds Outreach
- Support for sanctuary acquisition, restoration, and maintenance
Volunteer opportunities
- Bolivar Birds Outreach Volunteer
- Host or help staff sanctuary activities during spring migration at High Island
- Lead or assist with bird walks, surveys, and community events
- Help with beach cleanups and High Island workdays
- Volunteer in sanctuary maintenance and native plant activities
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Land Trust Accreditation Commission accreditation since 2017
- Gulf Guardian Award for North Deer Island Protection and Restoration Project, 2008
- Outstanding Education Achievement Award from National Audubon Society, 1991
- Chapter Synergy Award from National Audubon Society, 1994
- Mayor’s Proud Partner’s Award for the Pocket Prairie Project, 2010
- Gold Brick Award for the Edith L. Moore cabin, 2014
In the media
- Axios Houston, coverage of the final protection of Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary
- Houston Chronicle, coverage of the role Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary plays in protecting migratory birds
- Houston Chronicle, coverage of Houston Audubon’s acquisition of the 128-acre Peach Creek Woods sanctuary
- Houston Business Journal, coverage of the planned Bolivar Peninsula beach home development that ended after Houston Audubon acquired the site
- KHOU, coverage of Lights Out Houston and turning off lights overnight to protect migratory birds
- Houston Public Media, coverage of birdwatching in the Bayou City
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Are the sanctuaries open to the public?
Most of the 18 sanctuaries are open to the public. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is open daily, and the High Island sanctuaries are open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Does Houston Audubon offer bird walks or classes?
Yes. It offers free bird walks and classes during spring migration, along with birding events, surveys, and community programs.
Can I reserve the Boy Scout Woods photo blind?
Yes. The photo blind at Boy Scout Woods can be reserved every day during spring migration. In summer, fall, and winter, use is free and does not require a reservation.
What does the Natives Nursery sell?
The Natives Nursery at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary sells many native plants. Orders can be picked up on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings at the sanctuary.
How does the High Island patch work?
The High Island patch gives one person entry to all High Island sanctuaries for the year. The 2026 patch is priced at $35.
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