The Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is owned and operated by the Indiana Audubon Society and is located south of Connersville in Fayette County.
Alice Green Gray gave the initial 264 acre property to the Indiana Audubon Society in 1943 as a living memorial to her daughter’ Mary, who preceded her in death. Congressman Finley H. Gray willed additional property to the society in 1947, bringing the total to more than 600 acres. Gifts from members have allowed the acquisition of more property so that the Sanctuary now occupies more than 700 acres.
IAS is committed in preserving and maintaining the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary with its forests and meadows as a wildlife refuge for birds and other native organisms, and to serve as a natural laboratory. The Society cooperates with state and national conservation groups with these aims. Currently, a study involving Ball State University is underway to monitor birds, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers throughout the property.