Sanctuary Rules

Edith L. Moore is a wildlife sanctuary and not suitable for many activities you would find at other parks and natural areas. In order to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment please familiarize yourself with and follow the rules.

Visitor Information

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is privately owned and managed by Houston Audubon. Our small sanctuary offers walking trails, birding (including a livestreaming bird camera), educational programs, and a unique look into the history of our neighborhood. We are also the location of Houston Audubon Headquarters and the Natives Nursery.

Because we are a conservation property for wildlife and birds, we have slightly different rules (listed in the left sidebar) from city and county parks. We appreciate your help to keep Edith L. Moore a quiet respite for humans and animals alike.

Admission: We are proud to have Edith L. Moore open to the public for free. Your membership and donations are greatly appreciated so we can continue to do so!

Hours: The sanctuary is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Sunday hours are 9 AM - 5 PM. Gates unlock and lock automatically on a timer. Cars in the Wilchester lot after closing cannot exit until gates open the following morning.

We welcome your visit, but please remember groups over 7 (maximum 20) need to request a self-guided tour. No homeschool classes, advertised social gatherings, memorial services, ceremonies, sales, or similar events are allowed without prior approval. To request a self-guided tour or request more information about options for homeschool classes, scouts and other groups please contact Vicki Stittleburg vstittleburg@houstonaudubon.org or Amber Leung aleung@houstonaudubon.org.

Location: 440 Wilchester Blvd., Houston, TX 77079

Access and parking is available at the sanctuary's east gate in the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church parking lot (12955 Memorial). See map below for location.

Contact: (713) 932-1639 or info@houstonaudubon.org

Natives Nursery: We are selling plants online for Friday morning pick-ups, but the nursery itself remains closed to the public. Learn more about the Natives Nursery and place an order.

Portrait photography permit required

Professional and portrait session rules and registration can be found here.

Wildlife photography and candid phone photos/selfies are encouraged and do not require a permit.

Programs

Birding

Almost 200 species of bird have been sighted at Edith L. Moore over the years. In addition to our resident birds, seasonal migrants can be found feeding and resting before continuing their journey.

Live BirdCam Located in the cabin garden
eBird Hotspot See recent sightings reported by other birders
Bird Checklist (PDF) Download or print a paper checklist

Trails

We have approximately 1.5 miles of trails which vary from flat and accessible to steeper inclines and steps. Explore on your own or use our guides below. Maps are posted trailside periodically throughout the sanctuary.

History

Donated by Edith L. Moore in 1975, the 17.5 acres of property and log home are the heart of Houston Audubon and a well-loved part of Rustling Pines and surrounding neighborhoods.