Spring rains have brought a burst of new life to Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, and this year, that renewal is paired with the start of a major new chapter for the center itself.
A Landscape in Bloom
With the return of spring rains in San Antonio, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is bursting with flora and fauna. Shorebirds have moved into the East and West Polders, Edward’s Tank has filled back up to provide plenty of macroinvertebrates for student groups to discover, and colorful blooms are popping up throughout the landscape.
Native sunflowers, Turk’s cap, and rock rose are adding splashes of color across the native plant gardens, creating a vibrant backdrop for wildlife and visitors alike. The return of water has sparked activity throughout the ecosystem, from insects and amphibians to the birds that depend on them. One of the season’s highlights has been the sight of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks proudly shepherding their ducklings in and around the West Polder, while elegant Little Blue Herons have been frequent visitors in the East Polder, patiently stalking the shallows in search of their next meal. Together, these sightings have delighted staff, volunteers, and guests.
For students exploring water samples from Edward’s Tank, every dip net brings the possibility of discovery. During a recent field experience, students were excited to find tadpoles and freshwater grass shrimp, fascinating aquatic creatures that serve as indicators of a healthy pond habitat. Moments like these showcase the incredible connections between water, wildlife, and learning and remind us that when the rains return, life flourishes at Mitchell Lake.
Breaking Ground, Taking Flight
Alongside this season’s natural abundance, Mitchell Lake is preparing for a transformative investment in its future. The 2022 San Antonio Bond designated a $6 million investment in Mitchell Lake, and for the last several years the team has been working behind the scenes with architects, engineers, and construction partners to design and plan a new indoor education and events pavilion, along with road improvements to the wetlands loop.
Community members and partners are invited to a ceremonial groundbreaking on October 10, World Migratory Bird Day, to celebrate the start of construction on this transformative project.
The new pavilion will greatly expand opportunities for environmental education and community engagement. Once completed, the facility will double the capacity of K–12 school programs, from 50 students to 100 students per session, allowing more young people to experience hands-on learning in one of San Antonio’s most important natural spaces. The pavilion will also provide a much-needed gathering place for partners, community organizations, and local residents to host meetings, workshops, celebrations, and other special events. This investment directly supports Audubon’s mission to connect people with nature and inspire conservation through education, stewardship, and community partnerships.
The groundbreaking’s alignment with World Migratory Bird Day is especially meaningful, as Mitchell Lake serves as a vital stopover and habitat for migratory birds traveling along the Central Flyway. As construction begins this fall, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center looks forward to sharing updates on the project and welcoming visitors to future programs and events in the new space.
Together, these improvements will help ensure that Mitchell Lake continues to serve as a place where people and wildlife thrive for generations to come.
Visit Mitchell Lake
It’s hot this time of year but the birds don’t mind. Join us for an upcoming bird walk or family-friendly program; we’d love to have you out! A full list of upcoming events and registration links can be found at www.MitchellLake.Audubon.org/events, or reach out with questions or ideas at mlac@audubon.org.
