Indiana Audubon has secured a $60,000 grant from the Indianapolis-based Efroymson Family Fund to replace the deteriorating entrance bridge at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in Fayette County. Scheduled for completion this winter, the project will enhance visitor safety and accessibility and ensure continued access to the 735-acre nature preserve.

Recent flooding and erosion have compromised the existing bridge -- the primary access point for vehicles and pedestrians -- raising safety concerns and limiting usability. The new structure will meet modern design standards with improved durability and accessibility, enabling reliable entry for visitors from nearby communities and across Indiana.

"The bridge is a vital access point to the heart of Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary," said Brad Bumgardner, executive director of Indiana Audubon. "Its replacement ensures our ability to welcome people into a landscape where they can connect with birds, experience nature firsthand and take part in the conservation work that defines our mission.”

The Efroymson Family Fund, which supports Indiana Audubon's conservation initiatives at the recommendation of Jeremy Efroymson, recognizes the project's urgency and its role in sustaining sanctuary operations and public engagement in environmental education.

Sanctuary access will be closed during winter for construction, beginning in December. Temporary parking will be available in the campground, though foot access to the trailhead from the lot may depend on weather conditions and snow removal. Updates on reopening and visitor options will be shared at indianaaudubon.org and on the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary Facebook page.

Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is a hub for bird and habitat education in east-central Indiana. Its programs and events invite visitors of all ages to learn how birds interact with their environments across seasons and life stages, observe migration tracking and bird banding in action, restore native landscapes, and contribute to on-site community science efforts.

For more information, call Indiana Audubon at 765-205-1255 or email Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary directly at mgbs@indianaaudubon.org.