HOUSTON AUDUBON BECOMES BIRDS HOUSTON, ANNOUNCES HOUSTON BIRD WEEK 2026
New name reflects expanded commitment to engaging the community in bird conservation
Houston Audubon Society is proud to announce that it has officially rebranded as Birds Houston, marking a new chapter in the organization's nearly 60-year history of bird conservation in the Greater Houston Gulf Coast region. Alongside its new identity, Birds Houston is pleased to announce the schedule for Houston Bird Week 2026, taking place September 19–26. The week-long celebration features events designed to inspire residents of all ages to discover, appreciate, and protect the birds in their communities. A full schedule of events is available at BirdsHouston.org/BirdWeek.
For more than five decades, Birds Houston has worked to conserve birds and their habitats through land stewardship, habitat restoration, environmental education, community science, advocacy, and public engagement. The organization manages a network of 18 bird sanctuaries across the Houston metro and Upper Texas Coast, helping to ensure that birds thrive in one of North America's most important migratory flyways. Through educational programs, volunteering, and guided outings, Birds Houston engages thousands of residents in opportunities to build a sense of place and connectivity around birds.
"At its heart, our mission has always been about connecting people with birds and inspiring them to become champions for conservation," said Jed Aplaca, President & CEO of Birds Houston. "Our new name reflects that simple, welcoming idea. Whether you’re a lifelong birder or someone who has just noticed a cardinal outside their window, Birds Houston is an invitation to discover the remarkable birds around us and join a growing community dedicated to protecting them."
Founded in 1969, the organization has played a leading role in conserving some of the Houston region's most important habitats while helping generations of residents connect with nature. Significant achievements of the organization include:
- The acquisition and permanent protection of 4,300 acres of critical coastal stopover habitat, including world-renowned sanctuaries in High Island and designated Global Important Bird Areas, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary and North Deer Island
- Establishing the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory to address the threat of destructive coastal development and protect habitat for migratory birds in southeast Texas
- Leading the effort for Houston to receive the “Urban Bird Treaty City” designation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife as well as the “Bird City” designation by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Audubon Texas
- Establishing the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in West Houston, serving as an urban retreat and a base for educational programming to connect people with nature
- Developing the Lights Out for Birds initiative, a massive urban conservation movement to reduce nighttime building collisions with migrating birds
- Coordinating a community-wide contest that culminated in the Yellow-crowned Night Heron being proclaimed the official Bird of Houston
- Receiving Land Trust Accreditation in 2017, demonstrating its fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, and lasting stewardship of the lands it conserves.
The organization's new logo features the Yellow-throated Warbler, honoring both one of its earliest projects—preventing nesting habitat destruction from construction of the Wallisville Dam in the 1970s—and its decades-long, member-led advocacy for local conservation efforts.
To help build awareness of the abundance of bird species that migrate through the region, Birds Houston is organizing the eighth annual Houston Bird Week. Through guided outings, educational programs, family-friendly activities, and community partnerships, the week-long celebration aims to demonstrate that birds are an accessible and inspiring entry point into understanding and caring for the natural world.
“Houston Bird Week is designed to help people discover the incredible birds they can find right in their own neighborhoods," said Zineera Seth Chong, Communications & Marketing Director with Birds Houston. “Birds offer a wonderful way to slow down, notice the world around us, and build a deeper connection with the natural places that make Houston such an extraordinary place to live. Everyone is welcome to join us, especially those who are new to birding or curious about what they see, but not necessarily sure where to begin."
Houston Bird Week 2026 runs from September 19–26 and features almost 50 events across the Greater Houston region designed to build community around a shared appreciation for birds. Program highlights include:
- Kick-off party at Frost Town Brewing, debuting the annual bird beer on September 19
- Guided bird walks throughout the region
- Beach cleanups and coastal birding classes from Galveston to Bolivar
- Bird-themed events centered around interests like yoga, books, poetry, history, trivia, movies, crafts, gardening, and art
- Family-friendly community closing party at Camden Park, featuring live birds, partner activities, native plant giveaways, raffle prizes, and more.
Full information, registration, and a complete schedule of all activities is available at BirdsHouston.org/BirdWeek.
As Birds Houston begins this new chapter, the organization invites the community to get involved by attending a Houston Bird Week event, becoming a member or volunteer, visiting one of its bird sanctuaries, subscribing to its educational e-newsletter, or making a charitable donation to support bird conservation throughout the Greater Houston region.
Promotional media and logo files are available here (for media use only).
About Birds Houston
Birds Houston is an Accredited Land Trust and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats across the upper Texas coast. Established in 1969 as an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, the organization manages 18 wildlife sanctuaries encompassing more than 4,300 acres. Birds Houston advances its conservation mission through land stewardship, environmental education, and active community engagement. Visit birdshouston.org to learn more.
