Trinity River NWR Appreciation Day Highlights Bird Conservation
Saturday, Oct. 10, at Champion Lake Day Use Area

Celebrate Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge Appreciation Day and World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Champion Lake. The event connects habitat protection, public participation and bird observations with migratory bird conservation.

Established in 1994, the Trinity River NWR protects 30,000 acres of bottomland forest, wetlands and Trinity River floodplain habitat. More than 200 bird species use this landscape to feed, rest, nest and breed, including migratory warblers, vireos, flycatchers, swallows, sparrows, tanagers and ducks. The refuge is a vital link in the network of habitats migratory birds need throughout the year. Protecting its floodplain also sustains native wildlife and wetlands for future generations.

The 2026 World Migratory Bird Day theme, “Every Bird Counts — Your Observations Matter!”, celebrates community science. Recorded sightings help track bird populations and migration, while the Big Sit Bird Survey offers participants a hands-on way to support conservation.

Event details

• Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Champion Lake Day Use area, Trinity River NWR
• Big Sit Bird Survey, hosted by Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club: dawn to dusk
• World Migratory Bird Day public event: 9 a.m. to noon
• Interpretive booths and stations
• Nature and birding walks
• Self-guided “Scat” Trail
• Pollinator garden activity by Lower Trinity Basin Texas Master Naturalists

This Bird City Texas event welcomes birders, families, students and beginners to learn how local habitat protection and bird observations strengthen conservation across migration routes.

Friends of Trinity River Refuge

Explore Our Activities

We host and participate in a range of events, including:

• Moth Night Out with Stuart Marcus
• Butterfly Counts
• Bird Counts:
  • Big Sit in October
  • Old River Christmas Bird Count
  • Trinity River Christmas Bird Count
• Lodge Workdays - Spring & Fall
• Find Your Wild/Trinity River NWR Appreciation Day
• FOTRR Appreciation Dinner

Sign Up and Get Involved

Want to participate in our events or learn more? Contact us at friendsoftrinityriverrefuge@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.

Upcoming Event