Image: Culvert at the entrance to Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary with exposed soil along the gravel road and cones marking the edge, as seen in late March 2026. Photo by Libby Keyes.
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE (4/9/26): Construction wrapped up on April 8, and parking has reopened in the main Sanctuary grounds. Please drive slowly and use caution as the ground around the bridge continues to settle.
Construction to replace the entrance bridge at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary began Wednesday, April 1. The project is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.
This work follows last year’s announcement of a $60,000 grant from the Efroymson Family Fund to support the project.
The sanctuary will remain open during this time, but access to the main entrance road will be closed. From April 1 through April 15, visitors should park in the temporary grass lot along S. Bird Sanctuary Road, just north of the main entrance.
From there, follow a clearly marked trail approximately 0.33 miles (roughly a 15-minute walk) to Brooks Hall. Wayfinding signs and orange flagging will guide you along the route. The path slopes gently downhill from the parking area toward the main campus, with a gradual uphill return. The surface is grass and natural terrain.
Events at the sanctuary during this time will continue as scheduled. If you are registered for an event, additional details will be shared by email in advance.
Additional construction updates will be shared on the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary Facebook page. For questions before your visit or when you arrive, text Libby Keyes, Sanctuary Operations Manager, at 765-203-1891.
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