National Audubon Society

Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Credit: Curt Hart

April Showers Bring May Flowers & Much More

The spring rains have brought an exuberance of life to Strawberry Plains. Our research staff and volunteers have had the delight of experiencing this spring renewal up close on a daily basis at our spring bird banding station, where we’ve banded over forty species this year.

In addition to year-round residents, we’ve encountered numerous species of neo-tropical migrants, including previously banded and re-captured individuals returning to breed, as well as those using Strawberry Plains as stop-over and refueling habitat during their continued journey north, such as Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cerulean Warbler, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Tennessee Warbler, Veery, Blue-winged Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Blackburnian Warbler, and more.

Join us for World Migratory Bird Day on May 11^th to learn about and witness our research on migratory and breeding birds at Strawberry Plains. This year’s theme is Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution.

The gardens, forests and meadows are also changing with the passing days, as new wildflowers, leaves and fruit are emerging and supporting the pollinators, birds and other wildlife that depend upon them. Join us in celebrating this shifting of the season with our spring Native Plant Sale, May 17-18^th, 9am – 4pm. You can view/download a copy of the plant sale species and price list: 2019 Native Plant Sale.

Spring Native Plant Sale

Native Plant Sale: May 17th - 18th
Save the date for our annual spring Native Plant Sale, Friday-Saturday, May 17th-18th, 9 am - 4 pm.
You can view/download a copy of the plant sale species and price list: 2019 Native Plant Sale.

Why are Native Plants Better for Birds and People?
Native birds need native plants and the insects that have co-evolved with them. Most landscaping plants available in nurseries are exotic species from other countries. Many are prized for qualities that make them poor food sources for native birds—like having leaves that are unpalatable to native insects and caterpillars. With 96 percent of all terrestrial bird species in North America feeding insects to their young, planting insect-proof exotic plants is like serving up plastic food. No insects? No birds. Simply put, native plants:

Are the foundation of our natural food chain and the key for attracting and supporting birds, butterflies/pollinators and other wildlife
Are adapted to our regional conditions and may require less maintenance and water, rarely needing the use of pesticides and fertilizers
Promote biodiversity, helping strengthen and support local ecosystem

Read more about the importance of native plants: Audubon’s Plants for Birds initiative.

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Dr. Shannon McGee with a curious student

MS Snakes: Myth, Legend & Fact!

Join us for one of our most popular annual programs, as we unravel some of the mysteries surrounding these reviled and revered creatures. Dr. Shannon McGee will discuss how to distinguish our native species, their habitats, and life histories. An indoor photo rich presentation will finish with up-close views of live specimens from the region.
Feel free to come with your own stories, questions, and pictures! Great fun for the whole family. Dr. McGee is a local veterinarian and wildlife expert who treats both domestic animals and wildlife.

Saturday, May 25th 10 am - 12 pm
Cost: $10 per person/ $25 per family
Reservations are required at SPACinfo@audubon.org or 662-252-1155

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Mushrooms collected at 2018 program

Forest to Table: Mushroom Workshop

Join us for our annual mushroom program with Dr. Jason Hoeksema. This year we’re having a full-day, Forest-to-Table edible education workshop! Beginning indoors at 9 am, Jason will describe the basic biology of fungi and how to identify common species of our wild edible and non-edible mushrooms, with the guidelines for safely foraging. We will saunter into the woodlands to gather mushrooms before returning as a group to begin identification. (Participants are encouraged to bring a basket or paper/canvas bag for collecting.)

We invite everyone to bring a potluck dish or sack lunch, as we’ll stay after noon when Jason will lead us in preparing various types of the collected mushrooms for a community Forest-to-Table gathering, sharing in the bounty of the day’s collection. We'll also use this time to answer further questions about identification, mycology and all things mushrooms! Feel free to bring recently acquired samples from your home for ID (just place in brown paper bag in your fridge for safe-keeping prior to the program).

Saturday, June 1st, 9 AM - 2:30 PM
Registration required at SPACinfo@audubon.org 662-252-1155
Cost: $10/person or $25/family

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Junior Naturalists at our Vernal Pond

Junior Naturalist Camp: Audubon Green Team!

Summer is upon us and Strawberry Plains is excited to host our fifth annual Junior Naturalist & Ecology Camp. This year’s theme is Audubon Green Team, and runs June 3rd-7th, 9 am – 3 pm. Each day covers a different habitat of our 2,600 acres, with hands-on activities such as bird behavior, plant identification, wildlife tracking and sign, and introductions to habitat succession, ecological concepts and much more. The camps activities are based on the Mississippi and Tennessee state frameworks for Math and Science. Camp activities foster a “hands on” approach to learning, and prepare campers for the upcoming school year, encouraging students to become excited about nature and collecting data.

The camp is open to 8-12 year old's and the cost is $100. Students will be provided a mid-morning snack and must bring a sack lunch. More details are included in the attached registration form at the link: Summer Camp Registration.

Spaces are limited and payment is due at time of registration. Please contact Mitch Robinson at SPACinfo@audubon.org or call 662-252-1155 with any questions, and we accept credit card payments over the phone.

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Great Blue Heron Skull

Comparative Anatomy

Join us as we explore and learn about many of the mammals and wildlife of our region. Dr. Shannon McGee and Dr. Holley Muraco will lead us through a comparative anatomy necropsy, where we will examine various animals that died of natural causes and/or vehicular collisions. Through these examinations, attendees will gain an understanding of the life cycles and diets that support our native wildlife and the various habitats they depend upon.

Saturday, June 8th, 10am-noon
Registration required at SPACinfo@audubon.org or 662-252-1155
Cost: $10 per person; $25 per family

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Strawberry Plains Audubon Center
285 Plains Rd., Holly Springs, MS 38635 USA
(662) 252-1155 strawberry.audubon.org

© 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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