Houston Audubon is excited to announce a new environmental partnership with Entergy Texas. Houston Audubon was awarded an environmental grant from Entergy Texas to build the new Entergy Coastal Natives Nursery at the Hulsey Coastal Operations Center in High Island.
The new Entergy Coastal Natives Nursery will provide greater availability and access to native plants critical to birds, monarch butterflies, and other native wildlife. Specifically, Houston Audubon will be able to increase its native plant nursery capacity for plant distribution to the Gulf Coast region.
“Entergy Texas is proud to partner with Houston Audubon to help to protect our natural environment in southeast Texas for generations to come,” said Ron Fletcher, customer service manager for Entergy Texas. “Conserving the vibrant natural resources in our region is one of the many ways we power life for our customers and communities.”
Houston Audubon has become a recognized leader in providing native plants to local organizations and residents in Houston. Its original Natives Nursery, located at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in west Houston, started 10+ years ago and just this past year sold over 10,119 native plants. Through the new Entergy Coastal Natives Nursery, Houston Audubon will double its output of native plants, design a large area for growing green milkweed for the declining monarch butterfly, and begin growing native trees.
Increasing the number of native plants in High Island will significantly benefit the millions of birds that make the 600-mile, 18-22-hour journey across the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula during spring migration. These native plants provide the food and shelter they need to rest, refuel, and continue on their journey north. Houston Audubon is a regional leader in restoration efforts and works diligently to keep its coastal sanctuaries well stocked with native plants, water and shelter for birds to enjoy at the end of their very long flight.
Construction of the new Entergy Coastal Natives Nursery will begin in January 2021 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Spring 2021.
