HOUSTON, TX - Houston Audubon proudly announces the successful closing completed this week (7/15/25) of a critical $3 million acquisition on Bolivar Peninsula. This purchase of a portion of the former Sanderling Development acreage represents protection of endangered-species habitat that is adjacent to the globally significant Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, purchased by Houston Audubon in 1997.
This conservation of habitat contiguous to the sanctuary brings the 1,146 acres of Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary to 1,171 acres in total. This newly acquired acreage, at the mouth of Galveston Bay, had been recently slated for development and instead will now be permanently protected.
“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. “The Bolivar Peninsula provides critical habitat for migratory and threatened species, and this acquisition advances our mission to safeguard these irreplaceable coastal ecosystems for endangered species such as the Piping Plover. We are especially grateful to the Wortham Foundation and the many other generous foundations and individuals whose support made this possible.”
Houston Audubon will now be actively working to raise the final $3 million in funding needed for the remaining acreage of the Sanderling purchase. With a deadline of December 31, 2025, this tract will completely protect the entire sanctuary from the still currently-planned lights, building, and roads slated for the remaining out piece along the center edge of this sanctuary.
Those interested in supporting this remaining acquisition to secure this critical habitat along the Galveston area coastline can visit https://houstonaudubon.org/protectbolivar.
Bolivar Peninsula stands as an ecological jewel along the Texas Gulf Coast, serving as a crucial stopover, breeding and wintering ground for millions of migratory birds traversing the Central Flyway. Its diverse habitats, including beaches, dunes, mudflats, and salt marshes, provide essential foraging, resting, and nesting sites for a wide array of shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. The Peninsula's unique position makes it a critical lifeline for birds undertaking arduous sea journeys, offering sanctuary and sustenance on their long migrations.
Contact: Houston Audubon Comm. Dir. Zineera Seth Chong – 832-566-3200 – zseth@HoustonAudubon.org
Photo: a portion of the former Sanderling Development acreage
