The Lesser Yellowlegs Mural is a collaboration with Alton Main Street, local businessman Mike Kelly, the National Audubon Society, The Audubon Center at Riverlands, mural artist Robert Fishbone, and Riverlands Center Advisory Board members Penny Schmidt and Susan Flader. The new mural focuses on bird conservation across the Americas with a spotlight on the Lesser Yellowlegs, a long-distant migrant that winters in South America and nests in northern Canada finding habitat across the U.S., including the St. Louis Region, during its migratory journeys.
The Lesser Yellowlegs is a shorebird of conservation concern because its population is in long-term decline. This species and others rely on healthy habitat and conservation actions in each place along its migratory journeys from South America to Canada and back. We hope people will see this mural and feel inspired to help protect the environment we all need to thrive.
The mural was dedicated on October 19th, 2025 with a interpretive dance performance from Principia College dancers and a gathering of community members. Photo credit: Mike Matney.
