Event History
The Sanctuary Group sponsors the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration annually to correspond with peak bird migration in April. With the help of our Sanctuary Group Members, this event has grown through time. Initially the Celebration lasted only one day, and now we’ve grown into a three-day event. This year - we’re hoping to grow even more.
This Celebration Event, initiated in 1998, was created in part to support the purchase and management of the Grand Isle Sanctuary to protect some of the last remaining undeveloped chenier habitats (live oak ridges).
Live oak and hackberry forests of Grand Isle are recognized nationally as premier areas to view migratory songbirds. These woods and other natural habitats give food and shelter to songbirds before and after their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico. Grand Isle is the only barrier island along the gulf coast that supports a live-oak dominated plant community.
Only ten percent of the original forested area of the barrier island remains. The Sanctuary Group is working with local leaders and landowners to ensure long-term protection of these woodlands and provide green spaces for Grand Isle residents.
Years ago, the Orleans Audubon Society established the concept of a sanctuary on Grand Isle. Since 1998 the Sanctuary Group has promoted establishment of a monetary fund to purchase property. A member of the Sanctuary Group, The Louisiana Nature Conservancy, has already purchased property on Grand Isle -- the Lafitte Woods Preserve and has developed easements/agreements for management of other properties-- Grand Isle Port Commission Marsh, LSU AgCenter Cemetery Woods and Sureway Woods. These properties now comprise the Grand Isle Birding Trail – the first completed leg of a larger concept of a coastal birding trail inLouisiana.
How to Donate to the Sanctuary Fund
Join us in protecting the last remaining forested habitats on Grand Isle, Louisiana by making a donation to the Grand Isle Sanctuary Fund. Please make checks payable to Orleans Audubon Society with a memo indicating the donation is for the Grand Isle Sanctuary Fund.
Mail to:
GrandIsle Sanctuary Fund
c/o Phil Fischer
123 Walnut #702
New Orleans, LA 70118
For more information about this event:
- Grand Isle Tourist Commission 985-787-2997
- Grand Isle Port Commission 985-787-2229
- Email: jlandry@TNC.ORG