Expanding Conservation Efforts and Community Engagement 

This has been an exciting and transformative year for Mitchell Lake Audubon Center as we continue to expand our impact, deepen community involvement, and strengthen conservation efforts. From enhancing land restoration initiatives to increasing access to environmental education, here is a look at some of the key achievements that have brought us closer to our long-term vision. Read More

We expanded the Center’s grassland restoration efforts, successfully restoring 15 more acres of vital bird habitat. Our goal is to restore 50 acres by the end of summer 2025, further expanding our habitat conservation efforts for many bird species. 

We welcomed a new Land and Conservation Coordinator to our team, enhancing our capacity to manage and steward the 1,200-acre property at the heart of our mission. This added expertise strengthens our ability to care for the land, monitor ecological health, and implement conservation strategies that support wildlife and benefit the surrounding community. 

Additionally, we added an education intern to our team, increasing our capacity to serve K-12 students while offering valuable leadership experience to the next generation of conservation professionals. This new role helped us grow our educational programs, resulting in a 20% increase in students educated and a 25% increase in families attending our public programming. 

Through these programs, participants gained knowledge about local birds and ecosystems while leaving with actionable steps to support conservation in their communities. From reducing light pollution to planting native species, attendees were empowered to make a positive impact on birds and their habitats.  

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured a three-year grant of $75,000 per year from Navistar to support free, community-focused conservation programming. With this generous funding, we have expanded our public offerings to include initiatives such as native plant programs and lights-out programs aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting migrating birds. 

The impact has been remarkable: our programs saw a 33% increase in attendance, including a 10% increase in repeat attendees. This demonstrates not only the growing interest in conservation but also the strong community commitment to taking action. 

Exciting infrastructure improvements are underway! In 2022, during the process of including the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Improvements Project on the city bond, District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran recognized the urgent need for a new entrance to the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Thanks to her advocacy and partnership with the San Antonio Water System, we secured funding for this important infrastructure upgrade. The new front gate and entrance will improve access for visitors and enhance the overall experience at the center. 

The project is progressing well, with the entrance scheduled for completion by the end of November 2024. This addition is part of our long-term vision to make Mitchell Lake Audubon Center a welcoming, accessible hub for conservation education and community engagement. 

As we look ahead, we are filled with pride and excitement for the future. With ongoing land restoration efforts, increased public programming, new program staff, and critical infrastructure improvements, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is poised to continue its important work well into the future. 

We are deeply grateful to our partners, donors, and community members who support our mission. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for both people and wildlife. Thank you for being a part of our journey—and stay tuned for more updates in the months ahead.