Amazon Adventure with VENT for 2

Your choice of dates -- January 21-31, 2016 or February 18-28, 2016

We are excited to announce this item! Imagine taking a breath-taking Amazon Cruise next to your favorite person with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours! Cruise in luxury and wonder aboard La Estrella Amazonica. Prepare to view an array of relatively easy-to-see birds and mammals on this exciting excursion into the heart of upper Amazonia.

Generously donated by Victor Emanuel and VENT

Click here for details on VENT's website

Lake House in Canyon Lake on Private Cove for a Week.

Stunning Canyon Lake House on Private Cove for a Week (sleeps 12 people)

Spend the week birding, fishing, swimming and relaxing in this gorgeous home with guest house on Canyon Lake!

This beautifully designed custom home is perfectly situated at the top of a private cove on Canyon Lake. The spectacular views can be enjoyed from multiple decks.

The upper level has a large family room with a rock fireplace, large granite kitchen, dining room & master bedroom with luxury bath. The lower level has a game room with pool table, two bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. The guest house has 1 bedroom, full bath, kitchen & living area. This lake house is stunning and super fun!!!!!

The main house sleeps 8-10 comfortably and the guest house sleeps 2. 

Item available between October 23, 2015 and April 15, 2016.

Generously donated by Heather and Bob Westendarp

Alive in Wood - Common Yellowthroats by Greg J. Eigenberger

Behold this Gary J. Eigenberger original life-size carving of a pair of Common Yellowthroats. Gary J. Eigenberg is a world-champion wildfowl artist. His titles include placing in the top 3 Best in World title eleven times, in the Masters Class thirteen 1st Best of Show, and in 2002 and 2013 was awarded the People’s Choice Award at the Ward World Wildfowl Carving Championships. In 2006, 2009 and 2012, he won the Best in World titles. Oil on Tupelo 18"Hx16"Wx13"D. 

From the Collection of John Whitmire

Biodiversity Survey + Drone Footage with Dr. Richard Gibbons

Get the chance of a lifetime to have Houston Audubon’s Conservation Director, Richard Gibbons, and a team of experts join you on your property for a bio blitz. Our experts will help you identify birds and other species of interest. We will also bring our new DJI Phantom drone to get an eagle-eye view of your property. (Property must be within a 100-mile radius of Houston.) Enjoy this great opportunity!

Biodiversity Survey + Drone Footage with Dr. Richard Gibbons

Get the chance of a lifetime to have Houston Audubon’s Conservation Director, Richard Gibbons, and a team of experts join you on your property for a bio blitz. Our experts will help you identify birds and other species of interest. We will also bring our new DJI Phantom drone to get an eagle-eye view of your property. (Property must be within a 100-mile radius of Houston.) Enjoy this great opportunity!

Biodiversity Survey + Drone Footage with Dr. Richard Gibbons

Get the chance of a lifetime to have Houston Audubon’s Conservation Director, Richard Gibbons, and a team of experts join you on your property for a bio blitz. Our experts will help you identify birds and other species of interest. We will also bring our new DJI Phantom drone to get an eagle-eye view of your property. (Property must be within a 100-mile radius of Houston.) Enjoy this great opportunity!

Camp Caroline

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life on this peaceful get away located in the Texas Hill Country just outside of Hunt, TX on the Guadalupe River. Enjoy 4 days and 3 nights for up to 8 people at the serene Camp Caroline between April 1and September 1, 2016. 

Generously donated by Caroline Staub Callery

A week stay at Rockin' M Ranch B&B in Fayetteville, Texas

Rest and Relax at this bed and breakfast stay in Fayetteville, Texas. Rockin' M Ranch Cottage has two bedrooms with sitting areas. Each bedroom has its own entry, kitchenette, and bath. One cottage has a queen bed and the other twin beds. Relax and enjoy an ice-tea, listen to the birds sing, and watch the sun go down. Available for a week between January 4 and March 15, 2016.

Generously donated by Nan and Gibbs Macdaniel

Fresh Clean Water - Drinking Water Filtration System + Installation

Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000 Drinking Filtration System is an under sink alternative to bottled water that connects to a dedicated faucet. This system reduces sediment, chlorine taste and odor, lead, cyst, mercury, asbestos, select VOCs and MTBE. Installation is included. 

Generously donated by Terrell Sword – Sword Plumbing
Click here for more on Sword Plumbing

The Tree of Life Sand Painting

This original sand painting was created by Native American artist Rosie Yellowhair, a member of the Navajo Tribe. Rosie started sandpainting in 1983 and has taken the art form to spectacular heights. The Tree of Life is a beautiful piece of art. 17 1/2" L X 33 1/2".

Generously donated by Susan Maclin

Private Guided Wine Tasting for 12

The Nice Winery's sommeliers and winemakers will guide you and your guests through a fun and educational tasting of six of our highly rated, rare wines. Wines will be served with an assortment of cheese, crackers, cured meats and grapes. 

Generously donated by Nice Winery in West Houston
Click here for more on Nice Wines

Landscape Architect Consultation

Learn how to enhance your property’s landscaping with a consultation from Applied Habitats.
They will assess the native plants on your property and provide a plan to increase the native landscaping.
They will also give you tips on how to make your property more welcoming to birds.
A unique way to improve your home.

Generously donated by Scott Barnes / Applied Habitats

Private ELMNS Log Cabin Rental in West Houston (4 hours, up to 80 people)

Give your guests a memorable experience by hosting your next event at the ELMNS log cabin - Houston Audubon's very own log cabin nestled in our 17.5 acre nature sanctuary at 440 Wilchester Blvd.

The cabin deck and gardens provide great space for acoustic music and you have access to the sanctuary grounds and trails.

The rental can be for four hours with up to 80 people in attendance.

Rental hours are from 8 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 11 PM on weekends.

Your guests will love it!

Complete Set of Audubon Patches - 26 patches

Enjoy this complete set of Houston Audubon patches from 1989 to 2015. One of only a few sets left to give! Cherish the history and progression of Houston Audubon with this special collection. 

From the Houston Audubon Vault

Please note, the patches do not come framed.  This is an example of how you can display them.  

REI Wilderness First Aid Class at ELMNS

Want to gain first aid certification while spending time at your favorite bird sanctuary? You and a friend can attend the REI Wilderness First Aid Class at ELMNS.

From the Patient Assessment System through traumatic, medical, and environmental emergencies, you'll experience a wide variety of topics designed to prepare you to act if an accident occurs.

Successful completion results in a NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute Wilderness First Aid certification. 

Generously donated by REI

A Day of Photography with Greg Lavaty

Spend a day with Greg the Great. Take a day locating birds efficiently, identifying key opportunities for lighting and position, and get some great shots. Includes a full day's instruction for 2 people in Houston/Galveston Area. Take your future excursions up a notch or two. 

Generously donated by Greg Lavaty
Click here for more on Greg Lavaty

Cardinals Print by Roger Tory Peterson

Capture the spirit and joy of Roger Tory Peterson with this print titled "Cardinal." This is a framed, limited edition print, signed by Roger Tory Peterson. It is beautifully framed and 25” x 25” in size. Numbered edition 324/ 420. Give these beautiful birds a home!

Generously donated by Bill and Jean Harwell

Meet some of the Houston Audubon Education Raptors and enjoy a bountiful breakfast on the deck of the log cabin with Mary Anne Weber at Houston Audubon’s Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center.

You will step back in history as you tour the center built on the original land grant of John Richardson Harris who founded Harrisburg near the site in 1825.  Raptors, native gardens, tall grass prairie, woods and the historic bayou await you for your morning adventure.

Binoculars, Birding & Book

Take your birding to the next level with this package that includes Eagle Optics Denali 8x42 binoculars, Eagle Optics Kingbird 6.5x32 binoculars, the book The Sibley Guide to Birds signed by David Allen Sibley and the opportunity to go birding in High Island with Houston Audubon’s Conservation Director, Dr. Richard Gibbons. The Denali 8x42 is easy to carry and comfortable to use when scanning for long periods and the Kingbird delivers an exceptionally wide field of view with sharp, rich three-dimensional views. 

Generously donated by Eagle Optics and David Allen Sibley 

Big Bend Bundle

Get away and take in the beautiful setting at Big Bend National Park. This package includes accommodations for two consecutive nights at the Chisos Mountains Lodge in the Casa Grande Room in Big Bend National Park. Package also includes a pair of REI Traverse - Shocklight Trekking Poles. Get out and enjoy the surroundings!

Generously donated by Big Bend Resorts and REI

Click here for more on the Chisos Mountain Lodge

Camp Allen Retreat

Enjoy a two-night stay for a family of four at Camp Allen’s Hotel & Conference Center in Navasota, TX. Package includes hotel accommodations, 6 buffet meals and usage of the beautiful thousand-acre property complete with lakes, pools, hiking trails, athletic courts, fitness center and more! Subject to availability and valid through 12/31/2016. 

Generously donated by Camp Allen

Click here for more on Camp Allen

Escape to Birder's Haven B&B

Escape the bustle during the week to enjoy a 3-night stay at Birder's Haven in High Island, TX. Imagine stepping out the front door and walking right into Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary. This special package is valid for three nights (Tuesday through Thursday) between April 1 and May 15. The package also includes your choice of breakfast or lunch during the three-day period, provided by Gulfway Motel. Sleep 4.

Generously donated by Cyd Christa and Gulfway Motel

Click here for more about Birder's Haven

Eagle Framed Photo by Alan Murphy

Generously donated by Alan Murphy 

Click here for more about Alan Murphy

Ruddy Duck Framed Photo by Alan Murphy

Generously donated by Alan Murphy

Click here for more about Alan Murphy

Barred Owl Framed Photo by Alan Murphy

Generously donated by Alan Murphy

Click here for more about Alan Murphy

Go Birding with Glenn Olsen

Allow Glenn Olsen, Houston Audubon’s own birding class leader, to take you and up to 4 of your friends on a birding adventure tailored for you in the Houston/Galveston area. This full-day trip will include transportation and guide services. Binoculars provided if needed. 

Generously donated by Glenn Olsen 

Click here for more on Birding with Glenn Olsen

Bat Talk and Walk with Cullen Geiselman

Bat expert Cullen K. Geiselman, PhD, will share her extensive knowledge of the world's bat species, their habitats, and life histories. Afterwards join her on a twilight ‘bat walk' at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary or another location of your choice to spotlight bats using an ultrasonic bat detector. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit Waugh Street Bridge over Buffalo Bayou, to see 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk. For up to 20 people. 

Generously donated by Cullen K. Geiselman, PhD. 

Click here for more on the Bat Talk and Walk

Wellness Package – Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, 2 Private Personal Fitness Training Sessions, 3 Private Yoga/Meditation Lesson and Dine at Seasons Harvest Cafe

Give yourself a gift of wellness with an acupuncture facial rejuvenation treatment, 2 private personal fitness training sessions, 3 private yoga/meditation lessons and dine at a farm-to-table restaurant. 

Wellness Evaluation and Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation treatment consists of traditional acupuncture and cosmetic facial cupping.

Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Cupping:
·         Increased blood circulation to head and neck
·         Increased circulation and absorption of nutrients to the skin
·         Reduce puffiness and edema
·         Reduces appearance of facial lines and wrinkles

Personal Fitness Training Sessions include Fitness Evaluation, SMART Goal Setting and Individualized training.

Private yoga/meditation instruction.

Dine at a farm-to-table restuarant in Cypress, Texas, serving whole foods that are in-season, grown locally, organic and hormone free.

Generously Donated by:

Wholly Alive Acupuncture, Dawn Pirone, L.Ac, M.A.O.M

Bright Circle Fitness, Victoria Wells

United Yoga Company, Michael Perkola

Seasons Harvest Cafe, Beket and Joanne Griffith

Half-day of Photography with Joe Smith

This is your chance for a half-day of personalized photography with a very experienced nature and landscape photographer. The structure, location, day and time is flexible depending on your needs and desires. Spend a half-day in the field with hands-on instruction or focus on photography skills indoors. All you need is a camera with a lens!

Generously donated by Joe Smith

Bling Ring

Bling Bling Bling! This three-stone ring draws the eye to the circular-cut cubic zirconia center that's flanked by emerald-cut lab-created green emerald that lead into baguette-covered shanks. She will love you forever!