Sundown Island Warden Tim Wilkinson -Photo by Peggy Wilkinson

Tim Wilkinson has been named Audubon Texas’ newest Coastal Warden for Sundown Island and the Matagorda Bay area. Tim is former Warden Chester Smith’s son-in-law. He and his wife Peggy spent the last 13 years serving as assistants to Chester getting to know Matagorda Bay, Sundown Island, volunteers and the birds that call this area home. Tim brings with him a wealth of experience on varied projects to create and support nesting habitat, building and maintaining important infrastructure (pier, windmill and piping system), and leading volunteer events that benefit Sundown and develop community involvement.

Bob Benson, Executive Director, Audubon Texas expressed the sentiments of all of Audubon; “We are thrilled that the family tradition will continue for the protection of Sundown Island. The birds remain in good hands now that Tim has accepted this position. He will carry on the legacy of Chester Smith insuring the birds have a safe and well managed home.”

Audubon Texas, the state program of the National Audubon Society, is working to restore over 3 million acres of grasslands, oversee 13,000 acres of critical coastal habitat, and educate 50,000 students on an annual basis.