American Goldfinch. Photo by Evan Barrientos, Audubon Photography Awards.
September is for the birds!
Northern Mockingbirds on Winterberry. Photo by Barbara Driscoll, Audubon Photography Awards.
,This September Birds Georgia is delighted to introduce the Fall Flyway Festival, a celebration of Georgia's native plants and the key role they play for birds and other wildlife. We’ll be bringing you a host of programming and inspiration for creating a bird oasis in your landscape using native plants and showcasing some of the many Birds Georgia habitat restoration projects around the state. Join us for an event or a volunteer workday, and help us create more bird-friendly habitat across Georgia!
One of the biggest threats to birds in Georgia is habitat loss. As urbanization increases and natural habitats disappear, native plants can go a long way to restoring the habitat birds need. Fortunately, we can provide birds with high-quality resources simply through thoughtful landscaping utilizing native plants. This year, we are delighted to partner with the Georgia Native Plant Society, Trees Atlanta, and Coastal WildScapes to bring an amazing lineup of events to help you transform your landscape with native plants for birds and other wildlife.
One of the biggest threats to birds in Georgia is habitat loss. As urbanization increases and natural habitats disappear, native plants can go a long way to restoring the habitat birds need. Fortunately, we can provide birds with high-quality resources simply through thoughtful landscaping utilizing native plants. This year, we are delighted to partner with the Georgia Native Plant Society, Trees Atlanta, and Coastal WildScapes to bring an amazing lineup of events to help you transform your landscape with native plants for birds and other wildlife.
join us as a patron this september
We invite you to support Birds Georgia and our mission of building places where birds and people thrive through your individual Patron support of the Fall Flyway Festival. We are excited to offer a range of recognition benefits and special event opportunities in appreciation of your support.
Individuals may support the Fall Flyway Festival as Patrons at the $250 or $500 level. Benefits, depending on level of support, may include Patron recognition, tickets to the Round Robin, new Birds Georgia socks, and more.
Patron support of Fall Flyway Festival is a fun and meaningful way to increase your support of Birds Georgia this fall.
Individuals may support the Fall Flyway Festival as Patrons at the $250 or $500 level. Benefits, depending on level of support, may include Patron recognition, tickets to the Round Robin, new Birds Georgia socks, and more.
Patron support of Fall Flyway Festival is a fun and meaningful way to increase your support of Birds Georgia this fall.
A look at September 2024 events
Summer Tanager (female). Photo by Melissa Zieschang, Audubon Photography Awards.
Birds and Plant Walk at Mistletoe State Park (Columbia County), with Birds Georgia and the Augusta Chapter of Georgia Native Plant Society
Saturday, September 7
8:00 AM
Mistletoe State Park, 3725 Mistletoe Rd, Appling, GA 30802
Free to attend, but donations are encouraged to support our habitat restoration work. Please register at the link below so we can send you additional details about the event.
Please note: There is a $5/day entry fee to Mistletoe State Park or you may purchase a $50 annual pass.
Join Birds Georgia and the Augusta Chapter of Georgia Native Plant Society for a plant and bird walk at Mistletoe State Park in Appling. We'll highlight notable plant species around the park and discuss how invasive species affect our native ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. We'll also be on the lookout for resident and migratory birds and discuss which native plants you can add to your landscape to attract the greatest variety of birds.
Saturday, September 7
8:00 AM
Mistletoe State Park, 3725 Mistletoe Rd, Appling, GA 30802
Free to attend, but donations are encouraged to support our habitat restoration work. Please register at the link below so we can send you additional details about the event.
Please note: There is a $5/day entry fee to Mistletoe State Park or you may purchase a $50 annual pass.
Join Birds Georgia and the Augusta Chapter of Georgia Native Plant Society for a plant and bird walk at Mistletoe State Park in Appling. We'll highlight notable plant species around the park and discuss how invasive species affect our native ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. We'll also be on the lookout for resident and migratory birds and discuss which native plants you can add to your landscape to attract the greatest variety of birds.
Scarlet Tanager. Photo by Linda Steele, Audubon Photography Awards.
Birds, Bees, and Botany at the Earth Day Nature Trail (Glynn County), with Birds Georgia and Coastal WildScapes
Saturday, September 7
9:00 AM
Earth Day Nature Trail, DNR Coastal Resources Division/Susan Shipman Building, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520
Free to attend, but donations encouraged to support our habitat restoration work. Please register at link below so we can send you additional details about the event.
Birds, Bees, and Botany! Join Birds Georgia and Coastal WildScapes for an informational session and walk along the Earth Day Nature Trail as we discuss native plants on the coast and who they benefit. We'll highlight notable plant species around the trail and discuss how invasive species affect our native ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. We'll also be on the lookout for resident and migratory birds and discuss which native plants you can add to your landscape to attract the greatest variety of birds and pollinators.
Saturday, September 7
9:00 AM
Earth Day Nature Trail, DNR Coastal Resources Division/Susan Shipman Building, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520
Free to attend, but donations encouraged to support our habitat restoration work. Please register at link below so we can send you additional details about the event.
Birds, Bees, and Botany! Join Birds Georgia and Coastal WildScapes for an informational session and walk along the Earth Day Nature Trail as we discuss native plants on the coast and who they benefit. We'll highlight notable plant species around the trail and discuss how invasive species affect our native ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. We'll also be on the lookout for resident and migratory birds and discuss which native plants you can add to your landscape to attract the greatest variety of birds and pollinators.
Photo by Dottie Head
Webinar: Rewilding Your Landscape, with Gabe Andrle
Tuesday, September 10
7:00 PM
via Zoom
Cost: $20 for Birds Georgia members/ $25 for non-members
There are endless ways to invite nature into your landscape, whether that is letting sections of your lawn go a few more weeks without mowing, creating a snag garden, or removing non-native plants to promote and emulate thriving landscapes. Join Habitat Program Manager, Gabe Andrle, to learn about many of these techniques, the incredible wildlife that will benefit from them, and how they will help you become more in-tune with nature.
Gabe Andrle is Birds Georgia's habitat program manager. He oversees habitat management, restoration, and native plant work across the state. Gabe came to Atlanta to study Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He is a passionate naturalist with a background in ecology, conservation, and environmental education. Check out his "Nature With Gabe" series on YouTube.
Registration for this event is now closed.
Tuesday, September 10
7:00 PM
via Zoom
Cost: $20 for Birds Georgia members/ $25 for non-members
There are endless ways to invite nature into your landscape, whether that is letting sections of your lawn go a few more weeks without mowing, creating a snag garden, or removing non-native plants to promote and emulate thriving landscapes. Join Habitat Program Manager, Gabe Andrle, to learn about many of these techniques, the incredible wildlife that will benefit from them, and how they will help you become more in-tune with nature.
Gabe Andrle is Birds Georgia's habitat program manager. He oversees habitat management, restoration, and native plant work across the state. Gabe came to Atlanta to study Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He is a passionate naturalist with a background in ecology, conservation, and environmental education. Check out his "Nature With Gabe" series on YouTube.
Registration for this event is now closed.
Fall Flyway Festival Round Robin
Saturday, September 14
8:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Birds Georgia at Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse, 825 Warner Street, SW, Atlanta
Tickets: $50 for Birds Georgia and GNPS members/ $60 for non-members (includes lunch)
Join fellow plant and bird enthusiasts on Saturday, September 14, for our Fall Flyway Festival Round Robin.
We're thrilled to welcome keynote speaker, Jennifer Ceska, Conservation Coordinator in the Science and Conservation Program at State Botanical Garden of Georgia, who will give a presentation titled, Connect to Protect: A Call to Action from a Conservation Botanist, in Solidarity and in Hope.
We'll also have hands-on sessions with experts from Birds Georgia, Georgia Native Plant Society, and Trees Atlanta teaching you how to transform your landscape using native plants. Join us!
Saturday, September 14
8:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Birds Georgia at Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse, 825 Warner Street, SW, Atlanta
Tickets: $50 for Birds Georgia and GNPS members/ $60 for non-members (includes lunch)
Join fellow plant and bird enthusiasts on Saturday, September 14, for our Fall Flyway Festival Round Robin.
We're thrilled to welcome keynote speaker, Jennifer Ceska, Conservation Coordinator in the Science and Conservation Program at State Botanical Garden of Georgia, who will give a presentation titled, Connect to Protect: A Call to Action from a Conservation Botanist, in Solidarity and in Hope.
We'll also have hands-on sessions with experts from Birds Georgia, Georgia Native Plant Society, and Trees Atlanta teaching you how to transform your landscape using native plants. Join us!
Schedule for Saturday, September 14
Time |
Event |
8:00 to 9:30 AM (optional) |
Optional Early Morning Trips (choose one) Trip 1: Invasive Plant Walk along the Westside Atlanta BeltLine, with Birds Georgia Habitat Team Trip 2: Bird Walk at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, with Adam Betuel - this walk will begin at 8:15 AM since the gates sat Cascade Springs do not open until 8:00 AM |
8:30 to 9:30 AM (optional, for those preferring a later start) |
Tour of Native Plant Garden at Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse, with Trees Atlanta staff |
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
Arrival: Coffee, visit exhibitors and vendors |
10:00 to 10:30 AM |
Welcome and Introductions From Birds Georgia, Georgia Native Plant Society, and Trees Atlanta |
10:30 to 11:15 AM |
Plant and Bird Breakouts (2 sessions, choose one to attend) Session 1: Enjoy, Protect, and Learn from the Birds in your Neighborhood - Join bird experts to learn more about how you can better connect with the avian life near you while responsibly protecting them and supporting their conservation Session 2: Full sun, shade, or something in between: Exploring Native Plant Selection for your Greenspace - Rotate through three stations covering various light conditions and some of the many native plants that are adapted to them. This breakout will feature native nursery and plant experts who will help with your decision making and teach you to better understand the many factors that play into plant selection. |
11:30 to 12:15 PM |
Working Your Greenspace Panel This panel will feature landscape design, restoration, and land management experts who will provide insight into questions such as, the best timing for installing native plants, resources to assist private landowners, how to get started with native plant gardening, and more. |
12:15 to 1:15 PM |
Lunch (provided) Visit exhibitors and explore Native Plant Garden at Trees Atlanta |
1:15 to 2:15 PM |
Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Ceska Conservation Coordinator, State Botanical Garden of Georgia Connect to Protect: A Call to Action from a Conservation Botanist, in Solidarity and in Hope The news about our environment and our climate can seem daunting and overwhelming. But there is still hope ... and time ... to act. As bird and native plant lovers, we'll reflect on actions we can all take to help the environment, from air to water to biodiversity, right here in Georgia. Through stories, inspiration, and instructions for actions, Jennifer will share her vision to restore native plants to the land and share her conservation mission and vision of how we all can be part of the solution. We all have a part to play, and no garden or patio or homestead or right of way is too small. For the plants, the people, and the plenty of species that rely upon them, let’s get started! |
2:15 to 2:30 PM |
Closing Remarks |
Oak Woodlands Workshop for NRCS, GFC, and County Extension Agents (Madison County)
Tuesday, September 17
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Free to attend, but registration is required
Location: Private Property Madison County
This event is intended for practitioners wanting to learn more about managing oak woodlands to benefit landowners. We will tour a landowner’s property who has been working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to restore this habitat, and feature experts who will talk about the ecology, management, and restoration of oak woodlands. Light snacks, refreshments, and lunch will be provided.
This event is being co-hosted by Birds Georgia and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Tuesday, September 17
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Free to attend, but registration is required
Location: Private Property Madison County
This event is intended for practitioners wanting to learn more about managing oak woodlands to benefit landowners. We will tour a landowner’s property who has been working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to restore this habitat, and feature experts who will talk about the ecology, management, and restoration of oak woodlands. Light snacks, refreshments, and lunch will be provided.
This event is being co-hosted by Birds Georgia and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Photo by Dottie Head.
Birds and Tree Hike at Lionel Hampton Park-Beecher Hills Park (Fulton County), with Gabe Andrle
Wednesday, September 18
5:00 PM
Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Park, 366 Willis Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30310
Free to attend, but donations encouraged to support our habitat restoration work. Please register at link below so we can send you additional details about the event.
Join Gabe Andrle for a plant and bird walk at Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Park. This park boasts some amazing trees and a wide diversity of native plants that attract a myriad of bird species.
Gabe Andrle is Birds Georgia's habitat program manager. He oversees habitat management, restoration, and native plant work across the state. Gabe came to Atlanta to study Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He is a passionate naturalist with a background in ecology, conservation, and environmental education. Check out his "Nature With Gabe" series on YouTube.
Wednesday, September 18
5:00 PM
Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Park, 366 Willis Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30310
Free to attend, but donations encouraged to support our habitat restoration work. Please register at link below so we can send you additional details about the event.
Join Gabe Andrle for a plant and bird walk at Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Park. This park boasts some amazing trees and a wide diversity of native plants that attract a myriad of bird species.
Gabe Andrle is Birds Georgia's habitat program manager. He oversees habitat management, restoration, and native plant work across the state. Gabe came to Atlanta to study Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He is a passionate naturalist with a background in ecology, conservation, and environmental education. Check out his "Nature With Gabe" series on YouTube.
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you vis email if a space opens up.
Pollinator Garden at Island Ford. Photo by Logan Jones.
Native Gardening with Birds Georgia at Island Ford Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Fulton County)
Thursday, September 19
9:00 to 11:00 AM
Location: Island Ford Unit of the CRNRA, 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30350
Cost: Free
Limited to 30 people
Join Birds Georgia's Habitat Team for a hands-on native gardening workshop at the scenic Island Ford unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area with the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. This workshop will cover everything you need to know to create a thriving native garden that supports local biodiversity.
What to expect:
Why participate?
What to Bring:
Thursday, September 19
9:00 to 11:00 AM
Location: Island Ford Unit of the CRNRA, 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30350
Cost: Free
Limited to 30 people
Join Birds Georgia's Habitat Team for a hands-on native gardening workshop at the scenic Island Ford unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area with the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. This workshop will cover everything you need to know to create a thriving native garden that supports local biodiversity.
What to expect:
- Indoor Session: Learn to identify native plants and their invasive counterparts, discover the benefits of native gardening, and get expert advice on plant selection and garden design.
- Outdoor Session: Explore the Island Ford Visitor Center's native plant garden, and learn practical tips on garden management, proper planting techniques, and strategies to attract and support local wildlife.
Why participate?
- Discover the beauty and resilience of native plants.
- Gain valuable knowledge and skills to create a sustainable and ecologically beneficial garden.
- Connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and contribute to the conservation of native habitats.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the outdoor portion
- A reusable water bottle
- Something to take notes
- Questions
Beginner Plant ID Workshop, with Gabe Andrle (DeKalb County)
Thursday, September 19
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Location: Henderson Park, Tucker
Cost: $20 for Birds Georgia members / $30 for non-members
Limited to 15 participants
Join Birds Georgia's Habitat Program Manager, Gabe Andrle, for a beginner plant identification workshop, where you will learn how to identify some of the most common native and non-native plant species of the metro Atlanta area. No experience is necessary. You will leave equipped with the basics for starting to understand what plants shape the many amazing ecosystems that birds rely on for survival.
Gabe Andrle is Birds Georgia's habitat program manager. He oversees habitat management, restoration, and native plant work across the state. Gabe came to Atlanta to study Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He is a passionate naturalist with a background in ecology, conservation, and environmental education. Check out his "Nature With Gabe" series on YouTube.
Thursday, September 19
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Location: Henderson Park, Tucker
Cost: $20 for Birds Georgia members / $30 for non-members
Limited to 15 participants
Join Birds Georgia's Habitat Program Manager, Gabe Andrle, for a beginner plant identification workshop, where you will learn how to identify some of the most common native and non-native plant species of the metro Atlanta area. No experience is necessary. You will leave equipped with the basics for starting to understand what plants shape the many amazing ecosystems that birds rely on for survival.
Gabe Andrle is Birds Georgia's habitat program manager. He oversees habitat management, restoration, and native plant work across the state. Gabe came to Atlanta to study Environmental Sciences at Emory University. He is a passionate naturalist with a background in ecology, conservation, and environmental education. Check out his "Nature With Gabe" series on YouTube.
Photo by Adam Betuel.
Birds Georgia BioBlitz at Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Saturday, September 21
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Cochran Shoals Unit of the CRNRA, 1956 Eugene Gunby Rd, Marietta, GA 30067
Cost: Free
Limited to 60 Participants
Birds Georgia is partnering with the National Park Service to host a BioBlitz at Cochran Shoals, the most popular birding spot in Metro Atlanta. This event is a unique opportunity to contribute to valuable scientific data while exploring the park's rich biodiversity.
What to expect:
Why participate?
What to Bring?
Saturday, September 21
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Cochran Shoals Unit of the CRNRA, 1956 Eugene Gunby Rd, Marietta, GA 30067
Cost: Free
Limited to 60 Participants
Birds Georgia is partnering with the National Park Service to host a BioBlitz at Cochran Shoals, the most popular birding spot in Metro Atlanta. This event is a unique opportunity to contribute to valuable scientific data while exploring the park's rich biodiversity.
What to expect:
- An introduction to iNaturalist, a user-friendly citizen science app that helps identify and record species observations.
- Guidance on the specific taxa we'll be looking for, ranging from birds and butterflies to plants and fungi.
- A discussion on the importance of documenting wildlife to understand and conserve our natural areas.
Why participate?
- Discover the diverse species that call Cochran Shoals home.
- Learn valuable identification skills and contribute to scientific research.
- Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and make a real difference in conservation efforts.
What to Bring?
- A phone or other device with iNaturalist installed
- A reusable water bottle
- Shoes suitable for walking on a gravel trail and some off-trail walking
Habitat Restoration Workdays
Volunteer Workday at Altama Plantation. Photo by Sarah Manning.
Join Birds Georgia and our partners, the Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy and Trust for Public Land, for a habitat restoration workday at one of our restoration sites around the state.
All workdays are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM unless otherwise noted.
Connect with the Birds Georgia staff to learn the importance of native plants and habitats for birds and other wildlife while helping to remove non-native weeds and other undesirable species from the garden space and replace them with bird-friendly native species.
Join us for one of the following workdays:
For more information or to sign up for these workdays, please visit our Volunteer page.
All workdays are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM unless otherwise noted.
Connect with the Birds Georgia staff to learn the importance of native plants and habitats for birds and other wildlife while helping to remove non-native weeds and other undesirable species from the garden space and replace them with bird-friendly native species.
Join us for one of the following workdays:
- Saturday, September 7, at 9:00 AM – Lyon Farm Workday
- Monday, September 9, at 9:00 AM – Island Ford Pollinator Garden Workday
- Tuesday, September 17, at 9:00 AM – RiverLands Gateway Park Workday, with Trust for Public Land
- Saturday, September 21, at 9:00 AM – Cochran Shoals Workday
- Wednesday, September 25, at 9:00 AM – Campbellton Park Workday, with Trust for Public Land
For more information or to sign up for these workdays, please visit our Volunteer page.
thank you to our 2024 patrons
Click here for more information about supporting the Fall Flyway Festival as a Patron.
Laura Adams and Andrew Feiler
Brickworks Gallery
Carolyn and Max Brown
Mike and Maxine Chriszt
Linda DiSantis and Bob Kerr
Courtenay and George Dusenbury
Leslie Edwards and Jay Pakchar
Brynne and Marc Goncher
Paige Harvey
Melinda Langston
Ellen Miller
Nearly Native Nursery
Scott Porter and Scott Hayes
Irena Rowe
Esther and Jim Stokes
Michael Weaver
Lynn and Wink Weinberg
Diana Worthington-White
