August 21, 2022
We are saddened by the passing of Donald Gray, a beloved Houston Audubon volunteer who poured his heart into the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. We’d like to share the following kind words from Bethany Foshee, former sanctuary manager, who knew Don well.

"Don dedicated decades from the 1970s-2018 to Houston Audubon and Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary. He designed all of the trails. He restored the banks of Rummel Creek. He guided the docents. He planted so many trees. Most every Scarlet Buckeye you see is his. He recorded innumerable naturalist observations and lessons as our news editor and docent advisor and trail crew chief. He cared for Edith's cabin and kept her story alive. He maintained her ponds. He mentored so many, including his friend Terry Hershey. A great light has gone out. He was at home walking in Edith's woods. The small, rare hickory at the entrance to the nursery was one of his favorites. Give it a pat for him."

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December 1, 2023

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kathrine (Kathy) G. McGovern. Houston Audubon has lost a dear friend, fellow champion of bird conservation, and longtime generous supporter. Mrs. McGovern was always thoughtful and intentional in her unwavering support of Houston Audubon. She helped make us a stronger, more impactful organization and helped improve the greater Houston landscape for the betterment of birds and people’s enjoyment. From the iconic McGovern Canopy Walkway overlooking the Smith Oaks rookeries in High Island to supporting those committed to improving urban green space through Houston Audubon’s urban conservation award which was named in her honor, Mrs. McGovern’s mark of generosity, care for community, and love for the place she called home will be felt, seen, and experienced for years to come.

Kathrine McGovern with Helen Drummond

On a personal note, I will truly miss our regular visits to catch up on conservation over lunch, watch a tennis match at her home, or enjoy brief outings to local art galleries. She was an amazing and thoughtful person with a sweet sense of humor, and one who delighted in being able to help make a difference. We bid our farewell to a most kind and beautiful soul. I know she flies in the winds of love, grace, and peace. She earned her wings and can now soar with the birds she loved.
-- Helen Drummond

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July 14, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jim Winn, a cherished member of our advisory board and a dedicated leader in the Houston Audubon community.

Jim spent over two decades serving and upholding the mission of Houston Audubon and inspiring children and adults alike to the joys of birding and appreciation of nature. He served as Board President, Interim Executive Director, Development Committee Chair, and Bird Survey Leader. He was named the Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer for the year 2011 and provided leadership and active service on numerous committees throughout the years, including co-producing the Houston Audubon Society History Project.

In 2021, Jim was the very deserving recipient of the Lifetime Service Award at Houston Audubon's 2021 Avian Affair. You can view the video we made to honor Jim on YouTube.

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November 29, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Peggy Boston earlier this month, a cherished member of our advisory board and a devoted volunteer within the Houston Audubon community. Peggy was introduced to birding in the late 1980s by longtime Houston Audubon volunteer Ellen Red, and she quickly became an integral part of our organization. Many people met Peggy at beach cleanups and High Island workdays, where she loved chatting with new people and encouraging them to get involved. Learn more about Peggy in the words of Houston Audubon volunteer Winnie Burkett:

In the mid-1990s, as Houston Audubon began expanding merchandise sales at High Island, Peggy took the lead in organizing those efforts. Her background in architecture proved invaluable when Houston Audubon received a donation to build a new volunteer kiosk at Boy Scout Woods. After gathering input from admissions and sales volunteers, Peggy drafted the plans, and the kiosk was completed in 1995.

When Winnie Burkett transitioned from the Houston Audubon board and Sanctuary VP into a staff role in 1997, Peggy stepped in as Sanctuary VP. She oversaw the addition to the Boy Scout Woods bathrooms in 1999—no small feat given the challenge of finding skilled workers in High Island—and later helped develop the plans for “Wray’s Roost,” the garage built in 2006 that allowed us to finally house essential equipment like a tractor, greatly improving sanctuary operations.

Peggy’s leadership extended deeply into the admissions and merchandise work at High Island. After Bessie Cornelius began collecting admissions in the mid-1980s and building a volunteer team, Peggy took on responsibility for merchandise sales—a role that grew significantly with the construction of the larger kiosk. As Bessie aged, Peggy assumed more of the admissions duties as well. Her warm, outgoing personality made her a natural recruiter of volunteers and a wonderful role model, always ready to offer help to sanctuary visitors.

Peggy was also a talented fundraiser, never hesitant to share Houston Audubon’s needs and projects with enthusiasm and sincerity. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Peggy was honored as a Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award recipient in 2003. She was one of the core individuals who consistently stepped up whenever and wherever she was needed. Peggy played an essential role in welcoming people into the Houston Audubon community—always gracious, warm, and eager to share her enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty to the organization.

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