Calendar

Birding Tours

• Birding tours are $5 per person for non-members, $3 for MLAC members
• No reservation necessary
• Times may vary due to season, these times begin in September
  • Every 2nd Tuesday morning of the month at 8:00 am
  • Every 1st Sunday morning of the month at 8:00 am
  • Every 2nd Sunday morning of the month at 8:00 am
  • Every 3rd Sunday morning of the month at 8:00 am
  • Bird count/survey: Every 4th Saturday morning of the month, 8:00 am

Docent Training

Docent training is an 8-week course that will be held Saturdays. Each session lasts three hours. Training includes the history of Mitchell Lake, bird and plant identification, wildlife management, nature center procedures, and educational nature interpretation.

The cost to participate is $35.00 and includes training and materials. Please call (210) 628-1639 for more information and to sign up.

Learning from Historic Texas Landscape Designs with Mike Pecen

Saturday 2/18/12: 10 am to 12 noon

This program will explore the idea of creating contemporary, conservation conscious landscapes guided by the lessons and successes of the past. After a brief survey of historic regional landscapes and styles, discussion will include heritage plants and their uses in landscape design, as well as invasive plants introduced by our ancestors. The class will be held both indoors and outdoors. Mike Pecen is a San Antonio landscape designer whose projects have earned LEED designation and an Austin Business Journal Going Green Award. He designed the rehabilitation plan for the National Trust's Villa Finale house museum in San Antonio, and he is at work on other historic sites in the region.

• Program fee: $10 for MLAC members; $15 for non-members
• Space is limited, RSVP is required

TogetherGreen Community Volunteer Day

Saturday 2/25/12 9 am to 12 noon

Come help us prepare our native plant gardens for the spring. Some simple garden maintenance will help us to provide habitat for butterflies and other wildlife. You will learn about our great plants and what you can do at your home!

No experience necessary, ages 12 and up.

• Free, but space is limited, RSVP is required
• For more information or to RSVP, email: mlac@audubon.org

Free Family Program: Kids Birding 101

Saturday, 3/3/12 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Great program for kids to learn about bird identification and habitat. We'll learn how to use binoculars and take a hike to see which birds we can identify!

• Free
• Space is limited, RSVP is required
• For more information or to rsvp, mlac@audubon.org

Top 20 Plants for Birds with Judit Green

Saturday 4/14/12 9 am to noon

Join us for this top 20 countdown to the most valuable native plants that will draw in birds to your backyard. Judit Green is with Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. She has been an Urban Wildlife Biologist in San Antonio. Judit, along with many others, initiated the first chapter of Master Naturalists in Texas in 1996 and she still serves as advisor to the founding Alamo Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist™ Volunteer Program.

• Program fee: $10 for MLAC members; $15 for non-members
• Space is limited, RSVP is required

Words for Birds V

Sunday, 4/15/12 1 to 3 pm

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Nature! Some of our favorite poets will read their works and works by others, all inspired by nature, birds and the environment. This is the 5th year of this great program at MLAC!

• Free, No RSVP is required

Basic Birding for Adults

Saturday, 4/21/12 8:30 to 11:30 am

Do you enjoy watching birds & find birds interesting and beautiful? MLAC Docents Tom & Patsy Inglet share tools, tips, & techniques for you to build your birding skills. The class is 1.5 hours of instruction and 1.5 hours in the field. Bring binoculars & a bird field guide; we also have some to loan. Dress for a bird walk: long pants, dull colors, walking shoes, & a hat.

• Program fee: $10 for MLAC members; $15 for non-members
• Space is limited, RSVP is required

MLAC’s Annual Birdathon

Saturday, 5/5/12 at 7:30 am

Our annual fundraiser that combines the fun of birding with the impact of philanthropy! Join us as we count bird species and raise money through pledges per species. Open to birders of all levels – we have great guides. Minimum pledge of $25 per person to participate. Call (210) 628-1639 or email mlac@audubon.org for more information.

When Eagles Soared: Birds in Pre-Colombian Mexico

Thursday 5/10/12 6 to 9 pm

A fundraising event with a program by Dr. Marion Oetttinger of the San Antonio Museum of Art. An exploration of interest in birds and birdlife among pre-Columbian people of Mexico, particularly the Aztec. Drawing mainly for the codices and early Spanish chroniclers, Dr. Oettinger's talk will explore pre-Columbian bird hunting, breeding, and use of birds and bird feathers as tribute and in ceremonial life.

Tickets and Sponsorships are available for this event - please contact Susan Albert at (210) 628-1639 or salbert@audubon.org

Owl Prowl

Friday 5/11/12 7 to 9 pm

Families explore MLAC in the early evening to see what birds and critters are around. We'll call owls and see "hoo" answers!

• Free
• Space is limited, RSVP is required
• For more information or to rsvp, mlac@audubon.org

International Migratory Bird Day

Saturday 5/12/12 9 am to noon

A series of family friendly activities to celebrate birds and International Migratory Bird Day.

More details will be available soon.

• Free
• Space is limited, RSVP is required
• For more information or to rsvp, mlac@audubon.org