Non-Profit

A transformative public investment planned for Mitchell Lake Audubon Center could reshape how San Antonio families, students, birders and community organizations experience one of the city’s most distinctive natural spaces.

The Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Bond Project is backed by a $6 million allocation from the 2022 San Antonio Bond. The project will improve the site, construct a new indoor education and events pavilion, add an open-air restroom building near the wetlands, and update roads, landscaping and other features to ensure the property remains both bird-friendly and engaging for visitors.

Construction filings identify approximately $4 million in estimated new-construction costs for the education and events pavilion, wetlands restroom, park road improvements and landscaping. That work is part of the broader $6 million bond investment in Mitchell Lake.

The approximately 5,500-square-foot construction project is scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with an anticipated completion date of Dec. 1, 2027. Community members and project partners are invited to a ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 10, 2026, which coincides with World Migratory Bird Day.

For Mitchell Lake visitors, the project represents more than additional buildings. It is an investment in environmental education, public programming, volunteer engagement and the long-term ability of the center to welcome people into a landscape shaped by conservation and community care.

Community Feedback Helped Shape the Mitchell Lake Bond Project

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center has served as an anchor in the San Antonio community for more than 20 years. Planning for its next chapter has involved several years of work among center staff, architects, engineers, construction partners and local residents.

A community input meeting was held in December 2025 to discuss the proposed improvements and gather feedback from the people who visit, support and live near Mitchell Lake. That public conversation was part of a longer planning process focused on creating facilities that serve the community while respecting the sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitat.

The project’s design reflects the center’s dual role as an important conservation site and a gathering place for South Side families, students, volunteers and partner organizations.

Together, the planned improvements are intended to help Mitchell Lake continue serving as a place where people and wildlife can thrive for generations to come.

New Pavilion Will Double Capacity for Student Programs

The centerpiece of the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center construction project will be a conditioned indoor education and events pavilion. Unlike an open-air shelter, the enclosed and climate-controlled building will provide a more dependable setting for programs throughout San Antonio’s changing seasons.

The new facility is expected to double the capacity of Mitchell Lake’s K–12 school programs from 50 students to 100 students per session. That expansion will allow more young people to participate in hands-on environmental education at one of San Antonio’s most important natural spaces.

The pavilion could support school field trips, family programs, workshops, homeschool activities, conservation training and public events. It will also give educators and volunteers more room to introduce visitors to local birds, wetland ecosystems, native plants, migration and wildlife conservation.

Beyond student programs, the building will provide a much-needed gathering place for community organizations, conservation partners and local residents to hold meetings, workshops, celebrations and other special events.

A separate open-air wetlands restroom building will improve visitor access in the outdoor areas of the property. Road improvements are also planned for the wetlands loop, along with landscaping and other site enhancements designed to connect the new facilities with the broader nature center.

These changes are especially meaningful at a location where learning often begins outdoors. Mitchell Lake regularly offers guided bird tours, beginner bird walks, nature workshops, family activities and seasonal programs that invite visitors to experience the landscape firsthand.

From San Antonio Sewage System to Restored Wetland

Mitchell Lake’s story is closely connected to the history and evolution of San Antonio’s South Side.

Once part of the city’s sewage system, the property has been transformed through restoration, habitat management and years of community involvement. Today, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center protects 635 acres of wetlands, grasslands and scrub habitat, with approximately 7.5 miles of walking and driving trails.

Established as an Audubon center in 2004, the site has recorded 359 bird species through eBird. Its wetlands provide food, shelter and resting habitat for resident wildlife and migratory birds moving along the Central Flyway.

Visitors can now walk through areas once associated with municipal infrastructure and see pelicans, shorebirds, songbirds, raptors and other wildlife. That transformation has made Mitchell Lake a destination for birdwatching in San Antonio, outdoor education, nature photography and family-friendly exploration.

The center’s mission is to protect birds and habitats through conservation, education and community involvement. Year-round restoration and land management work helps strengthen the health of its wetlands, grasslands, trails and native plant areas.

The bond project is intended to build on that work by improving public facilities without losing sight of the natural systems that make Mitchell Lake special.

World Migratory Bird Day Groundbreaking Carries Special Meaning

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center plans to hold its ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 10, World Migratory Bird Day.

The timing is especially meaningful because Mitchell Lake serves as an important habitat and stopover point for migratory birds traveling along the Central Flyway, one of the primary migration routes through the Americas.

For some species, wetlands such as Mitchell Lake function much like rest stops along a long highway. Birds rely on these places to find food, recover energy and continue journeys that may span thousands of miles.

The groundbreaking will give community members, supporters and project partners an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of construction while recognizing the larger conservation purpose behind the investment.

As work moves forward, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center plans to share project updates and continue welcoming visitors to programs and events throughout the changing site conditions.

The center’s habitat management, bird monitoring and community science programs also contribute to Audubon’s broader Flight Plan strategy, which seeks to halt and reverse bird population declines across the Western Hemisphere.

“Birds are powerful unifiers—they are not bound by politics or property lines, and they captivate people across the globe,” Audubon Chief Conservation Officer Marshall Johnson said. “Unified by a love of birds, together we are an unstoppable force for conservation.”

More Space for School Programs and Family Learning

Education is one of the most active parts of Mitchell Lake’s work.

School groups participate in outdoor programs connected to science standards, while families and adult visitors can attend guided walks, birding programs, workshops and community events. Homeschool Adventures programs give young learners another opportunity to explore environmental science outside a traditional classroom.

Education assistants help prepare materials, organize activities, supervise small groups and support students during hands-on lessons. Trained education docents lead nature walks, outdoor observations and interactive programs designed to build curiosity and environmental awareness.

By increasing the number of students who can participate in each session from 50 to 100, the new pavilion will help Mitchell Lake serve more San Antonio classrooms without losing the hands-on qualities that make its programs valuable.

The climate-controlled space will also provide protection from heat, rain and other weather conditions, allowing programs to move more smoothly between indoor instruction and outdoor exploration.

For families searching for environmental education in San Antonio, beginner birding programs, school field trips or nature activities on the South Side, the new facility could make Mitchell Lake an even more accessible community resource.

Volunteers Remain Central to Mitchell Lake’s Mission

Although the upcoming construction will add physical space, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center continues to depend heavily on the people who contribute their time and skills.

Volunteers support nearly every area of the center, including environmental education, visitor services, birding programs, public events, photography, marketing, habitat restoration, trail maintenance and community science.

Education assistants and docents work with visiting students. Visitor Center Naturalists greet guests, answer questions, assist with sign-ins and provide information about the center’s wildlife, plants and history.

Bird Tour Assistants support experienced guides while learning how to identify species, manage groups and help newcomers feel comfortable. Bird Tour Guides lead beginner walks and specialized programs connected to events such as Migratory Bird Fest and the Christmas Bird Count.

Community Outreach volunteers represent Mitchell Lake at festivals and partner events throughout San Antonio. Programs and Events volunteers help with setup, activity stations, crowd flow and cleanup during public programs, including owl-themed programs and major seasonal events.

Volunteer photographers document educational activities, wildlife encounters and moments of community connection. Marketing and Social Media volunteers help create digital content, promote events, design materials and share the center’s conservation work with broader audiences.

Hands-On Conservation Across the Property

Many Mitchell Lake volunteer opportunities take place directly on the land.

Habitats and Gardens volunteers weed, prune, mulch, water native plants and remove invasive species. Habitat Work Co-Leaders help guide volunteer groups, demonstrate safe tool use and support restoration projects.

Trail Maintenance volunteers repair pathways, monitor trail conditions and assist with improvements that help visitors explore the property safely. General Maintenance volunteers support facility repairs, groundskeeping and special projects.

The center’s Grassbusters team focuses on removing invasive grasses so native vegetation and wildlife can thrive. Volunteers may also join the center’s Second Saturday Habitat Work Days or Third Saturday Litter Cleanups.

Bird Surveyors collect observations across different habitats and upload their findings to eBird. Those records help track which species are being seen at Mitchell Lake and contribute to broader conservation data.

Community Science volunteers participate in monitoring projects such as NestWatch and FeederWatch, with additional programs expected to expand over time. Depending on the project, volunteers may collect ecological information independently or work in small teams after completing required training.

These opportunities allow residents to move beyond simply visiting a nature center. They give people a direct role in maintaining the wetlands, trails and habitats that make Mitchell Lake valuable to birds and the wider San Antonio community.

Internships and Seasonal Employment Offer Career Experience

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center also provides pathways for students and residents interested in conservation careers, environmental education, nonprofit work and community engagement.

Paid and for-credit internships are offered in partnership with Texas A&M University–San Antonio and Alamo Colleges. Internship assignments may focus on conservation, education, marketing or outreach, depending on the semester and program requirements.

The center also offers two seasonal paid roles: Seasonal Site Host and Seasonal Education Assistant.

Seasonal Site Hosts help with daily operations, visitor safety, opening and closing procedures and after-hours checks. The part-time, RV-based positions generally last three to six months and require applicants to be at least 18, have access to an RV, meet position requirements and pass a criminal background check.

Seasonal Education Assistants work alongside staff members to prepare materials and support field trips, public activities and outdoor learning programs. These positions also typically last three to six months and are posted through the National Audubon Society’s careers website when openings are available.

Full-time positions at Mitchell Lake are limited and do not open frequently, but Audubon offers careers throughout the country in conservation science, education, communications, public policy, development and nonprofit operations.

Audubon’s Broader Conservation Mission

The National Audubon Society has worked to protect birds and their habitats for more than 120 years. Incorporated in 1905, the organization now has more than 800 staff members, partner organizations working in 11 countries, 507 community and campus chapters, and 55 centers and sanctuaries.

Its work includes conservation science, environmental education, community building, policy advocacy and the protection of habitats birds need throughout their life cycles.

Audubon describes its long-term goal as “bending the bird curve,” meaning halting and ultimately reversing bird population declines across the Americas.

The Mitchell Lake bond investment supports that mission at the local level by connecting people with nature and inspiring conservation through education, stewardship and community partnerships.

Visit Mitchell Lake During a Season of Growth

Although South Texas summers can be hot, Mitchell Lake’s birds remain active, and the center continues offering opportunities for residents to explore the site.

Upcoming offerings include guided bird tours, beginner bird walks, family-friendly activities, nature workshops and Homeschool Adventures. Guided tours help visitors explore the property’s bird population, while beginner walks create an approachable starting point for people who are new to birding.

A full schedule of upcoming Mitchell Lake Audubon Center events and registration information is available at MitchellLake.Audubon.org/events. 

Visitors with questions, project ideas or requests for additional information may email mlac@audubon.org or call 210-628-1639. 

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is located at 10750 Pleasanton Road, San Antonio, TX 78221.

Programs, routes and access conditions may change once construction begins, so visitors should confirm current information before traveling to the center.

What Happens Next at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Community members and partners will gather for the ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct. 10, 2026, to mark the beginning of construction and recognize Mitchell Lake’s role in protecting migratory birds along the Central Flyway.

The current project timeline calls for construction to continue through Dec. 1, 2027. As with any major construction project, the schedule may be affected by permitting, weather, site conditions or other development factors.

Once completed, the education pavilion, wetlands restroom, wetlands loop road improvements and landscaping are expected to strengthen the center’s ability to host students, visitors, volunteers and community events while continuing its conservation work.

The project reflects a broader commitment to ensuring Mitchell Lake remains both an important wildlife habitat and a welcoming public destination. For San Antonio residents, it means more opportunities to learn, volunteer, attend community programs and spend time in a restored landscape that continues to evolve.

As construction moves forward, My Neighborhood News will continue sharing updates about the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Bond Project, visitor access and future community programming.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.