Image: Cerulean Warbler, the 2026 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival logo bird. Photo by Ryan Shean.
The Flora Richardson Foundation has awarded Indiana Audubon a $12,000 grant to support need-based scholarships, accessible birding opportunities, and Youth and Family Birding Day programming at the 2026 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, scheduled for May 14-17.
Held annually along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival centers on spring migration, with guided field trips, workshops, and family-focused programs. Support from the Flora Richardson Foundation will allow Indiana Audubon to expand scholarships for participants from historically underrepresented communities and those facing financial barriers to attend the festival, increase inclusive and accessible birding experiences, and grow the Youth and Family Birding Day programming.
“The Flora Richardson Foundation’s support helps us remove real barriers to participation,” said Brad Bumgardner, executive director of Indiana Audubon. “These funds will allow more people to experience the joy of spring migration in the Dunes and build a connection to the natural places we work to protect.”
Timothy Kollar, President of the Flora Richardson Foundation, said, “We are grateful for the work that Indiana Audubon is doing in our community and are proud to support the bird conservation efforts.”
Registration for the 2026 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival opens on March 3 for the general public. Full festival information, schedules, and registration options are available at indunesbirdingfestival.com.
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