Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:

Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel the Mississippi Flyway—a vast migratory corridor formed by the Mississippi River, its tributaries, and connected wetlands. These birds depend on habitat along this ancient pathway for food, rest, and shelter during their long journeys. But as our cities grow, development fragments this critical habitat into small “islands” of green space surrounded by buildings, roads, and concrete. The connections between these habitat patches become increasingly broken, creating challenges for the wildlife that depend on them.

Dr. Jodi Devonshire will present findings from her 2011 study conducted with researchers at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Her team examined bird diversity and abundance in restored and remnant parks throughout the Greater St. Louis area. Their data reveals just how vital these urban oases are to the millions of birds traveling the Mississippi Flyway—and why protecting these spaces matters more than ever.