Houston Audubon turns planned housing site into protected coastal habitat

Between the lines: Located along the Central Flyway, Bolivar Peninsula features beaches, dunes, mudflats and marshes that serve as essential stopover, breeding and wintering grounds for shorebirds, wading birds and waterfowl — including endangered species like the piping plover.

What they're saying: "The closing of this strategic land conservation deal marks an important step in the preservation of one of the most globally significant bird conservation areas," said Jed Aplaca, Houston Audubon president and CEO.

• "[T]his acquisition advances our mission to safeguard these irreplaceable coastal ecosystems."

What's next: Houston Audubon is working to raise an additional $3 million by the end of 2025 to purchase the rest of the Sanderling tract, which would block the remaining planned development.