Kick off your FeatherFest experience with a guided visit to Exploration Green, a 200-acre urban nature preserve that blends innovative stormwater design with thriving native habitat in the Clear Lake area. Approximately 30 minutes from Galveston, this restored landscape offers an inland counterpoint to the coast, with wetlands, open water, and prairie edges that support impressive biodiversity and year-round birdlife. This is the first trip FeatherFest will be making to Exploration Green. You don’t want to miss your chance to be a part of it!
What to Expect: Participants will enjoy birding with Lisa Hardcastle. Lisa conducts the monthly Houston Audubon bird surveys at Exploration Green and is familiar with all five phases and where to find specific birds in each phase. During Spring migration, the preserve regularly hosts a rich mix of species. Migrating songbirds move through trees and shrubs, wading birds and waterfowl use the wetlands and open water, and raptors take advantage of thermal currents overhead. Exploration Green is now the home to several Limpkin, as well. Lisa will choose which phases to bird based on the most recent sightings.
What to Bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear closed-toed shoes.
Important Information: Although not available on all five phases, there is a port-a-potty located on some of the phases. This is a meet-at-site trip. Driving directions will be emailed prior to the trip.