A clipping of an article in the Jan. 28, 1951 issue of the Tyler Morning Telegraph. (Contributed Photo)

Community volunteers recently took part in a restoration project at Lake Tyler’s Langley Island.

A dedicated group of a dozen volunteers from the Tyler Audubon Society and East Texas Master Naturalists gathered March 15 at Langley Island on Lake Tyler for a community restoration project. Despite a rainy start, the day cleared up into a beautiful spring afternoon, providing perfect weather for the team to clear debris, trim brush, and install new signage to assist boaters and kayakers navigating the waters.

The group included three graduate students with their biology teacher, as well as one post-graduate student who will soon take on the role of secretary and officer in training for the Tyler Audubon Society. Volunteers were treated to breakfast and lunch as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

Tyler Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, has long been dedicated to enhancing and protecting East Texas’ natural landscapes. Their mission focuses on benefiting birds, wildlife, and local communities through conservation and environmental education. The organization fosters a family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming people of all ages to participate in discussions about birds, nature, and conservation, with a particular focus on issues relevant to the East Texas region.

During the event at Langley Island, volunteers installed a sign to inform the public about prohibited activities, such as hunting, picnicking, and camping, to protect the environment and prevent forest fires or damage to the island’s natural vegetation. These efforts are part of the society’s broader mission to preserve the beauty of the area while promoting responsible public enjoyment of the outdoors.

Tyler Audubon plans to return to Langley Island in the fall for additional trail maintenance and trash cleanup. The chapter has also been advocating for grants and public support for the creation of a bird blind at the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge near Jacksonville, further advancing its conservation initiatives.

The society hosts monthly meetings and field trips (excluding the summer months) to engage with the community, and it is collaborating with Keep Tyler Beautiful to enhance education, outreach, and birding initiatives.

For more information about Tyler Audubon and ways to get involved, visit www.tyleraudubon.org.