Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

06/10/2026

🐝🌼🥾 Have you signed up for our native bee hike?

06/05/2026

🐝 Most people can name a honey bee. But could you identify a leafcutter bee? A mason bee? A mining bee?

Indiana is home to hundreds of native bee species, each with its own story. On Saturday, June 20, explore the trails of Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary with Indiana Indiana Audubon’s Bird Programs and Partnerships Manager, Sam Urquidez, and learn more about our native pollinators.

You’ll learn how to spot different species, uncover some surprising bee behaviors, and gain a new appreciation for these tiny creatures that help keep our ecosystems thriving.

This event is free for Indiana Audubon members and $7.18 for non-members. Registration is required, so sign up now at MGBSnativebees.eventbrite.com.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

On the trails! Recently, a group joined us at the Sanctuary for a single day bioblitz hike, and recorded an incredible 190 observations representing 116 species — from plants and fungi to insects and birds! 🌿🦋🐦 Every observation helps us better understand and protect the amazing biodiversity at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary.
The BioBlitz may be over, but the project continues! You can iNaturalist to contribute your observations to the larger Mary Gray Biodiversity Project here:�https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/mgbs-biodiversity-project

05/29/2026

First big storm. First big test. Passed.

The new Mary Gray entrance bridge held strong today as rainwater poured under this week. Thanks to the Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Efroymson Family Fund for helping make this long-needed improvement possible.

We're ready for the summer season!

05/21/2026

📱🌿 Spend part of your Saturday, May 23, exploring the biodiversity of Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary! Join naturalist Jenilee Braun for a guided BioBlitz hike as we identify plants, animals, and fungi and add to a growing record of species found across the sanctuary.

Get details and sign up at 2026MGBSbioblitz.eventbrite.com.

05/14/2026

The annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Silent Auction includes some truly unique experiences, including a private honey harvest at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary (MGBS) with beekeeper Bill Cummings.

🐝 Learn more and bid now:
https://e.givesmart.com/events/Nrd/i/_Auction/zzsF/

The winning bidder and up to four guests will visit active hives on the property, help extract fresh honey, learn about pollinators and habitat, and take home a jar of MGBS honey.

The auction closes at 9 p.m. Central on Saturday, May 16. Proceeds support Indiana Audubon’s Mumford & Keller Grants and Scholarships program.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

Behind every trail, habitat project, bird walk, and sanctuary improvement at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is a group of people who care deeply about this place and the birds that depend on it.

We’re grateful for the volunteers, board members, and staff who help support and care for MGBS throughout the year. 🤝

📸: Indiana Audubon board and staff members gathered on the new entrance bridge at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary on April 25, 2026.

05/06/2026

A huge thank you to our Spartan Service Day volunteers! 🌿 They showed up this morning ready to dig in and help remove invasive plants, making a lasting impact on habitat health at the Sanctuary. Because of their hard work, birds and wildlife will benefit for years to come. Way to go Spartans! 🤩