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Publication Date

6-1-2003

Abstract

The Gulf Coast Region has one of the world’s most productive fisheries, provides millions of hours of recreation, serves as an important buffer for hurricanes, provides the land and water that is critical to the survival of many coastal industries, and provides critical stopover habitat for migratory birds. This past year, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO) has had the pleasure of working with officials and citizens of the coastal community of Port Aransas, Texas to secure the future of a small, but very important stopover site for migratory songbirds. The only freshwater wetland on Mustang Island, Paradise Pond is approximately two acres of shallow wetlands with a lush border of black willows. Well known by local birders, the pond is a migrant “hot-spot” during both spring and fall migration periods hosting more than 100 species of migratory songbirds, all of which rely on this secluded spot to rest and refuel during migration. To protect the pond from an encroaching new subdivision, GCBO teamed with the city’s mayor, city manager, and dedicated local birders to raise funds and negotiate with landowners for habitat conservation measures. Overwhelming community support resulted in land donations and challenge grants that enabled us to create a sanctuary for birds and a new destination for birders. To help facilitate similar successes for natural habitat conservation in other small coastal communities, a ‘Community Pocket Park Model’ that was developed will be discussed.

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