National Audubon Society

Register TODAY – Great Texas Birding Classic

The biggest, longest, wildest birdwatching tournament in the U.S.! Registration is now OPEN for the Great Texas Birding Classic, hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Last year saw a record number of birding teams – 202 – and there’s space for everyone! Whether a backyard birder or a birding enthusiast, gather your team and register today. Registration fees support grants awarded for conservation funding of nature tourism and avian habitat restoration, enhancement, and acquisition projects throughout the state across Texas. Thank you to Team sponsors Texas Ornithological Society and Toyota, and Awards sponsor Audubon Texas for support in making the 28th Annual Birding Classic the best yet!

Key Links & Dates:
2024 Team Registration, registration deadline: April 1, 2024

Tournament dates: April 15 – May 15, 2024
Conservation Grant proposal deadline: May 1, 2024

Clay-colored Sparrow - Gautam Apte / Audubon Texas

Trinity River Audubon Center - Dallas

Trinity River Audubon Center
As we near the threshold of March, there’s a subtle wash of green starting to dot the landscape here at Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC). Spring is filled with a wide range of opportunities to celebrate nature, connect with our community, and aid conservation during this verdant season. Come enjoy a wide range of migratory visitors like Painted Buntings, Indigo Buntings, Summer Tanagers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. Whether you’re looking to add a “lifer” to your list or are just getting started with birding, TRAC offers programs tailored to every level. Beginning birders can check out our 3rd Saturday monthly guided bird walks and more experienced birders might want to take a look at our off-site guided bird excursions.

Spring Break at TRAC!
March 12-15
Spring break Day Camps, Ages 8-12
FREE | Register today!
TRAC’s Annual Community Day Celebration
Saturday, April 6
FREE | Registration requested

A celebration for all ages! Enjoy indoor and outdoor nature activities, guided hikes along the trail, and family-friendly activities.

Scissor-tails & Cocktails Event
Thursday, May 16
More details and purchase tickets

With tasty treats from celebrity chefs, signature cocktails, music, and so much more, Scissor-tails & Cocktails is a fun and festive celebration in honor of spring bird migration, benefiting Trinity River Audubon Center.

View the full calendar of events online.

News Extra – 2024 City of Dallas Bond Update
We’re flapping with excitement at the commitment the Dallas City Council has made to invest in Parks and Trails across the City. Many difficult choices had to be made for this historic City bond election, and we THANK YOUCity Council, Dallas Park & Recreation Board, and the thousands of Trinity River Audubon Center members, partners, and supporters! Located in South Dallas, Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC) is a hidden jewel along the Trinity River and offers a sense of belonging in an under-represented community. TRAC receives 20,000 Dallasites and visitors from across the state annually and underwrites free programming for 3,000 local school children each year. A former landfill site, this sanctuary works with volunteers, partner organizations, and the City of Dallas to promote urban greenspaces and offer equity of resources for the local community. The facility has reached the tipping point of its safe, reliable, usable lifespan. Included in the larger $345 million parks bond package, the proposed $4.3 million dollar investment in TRAC, along with private donations, will afford improved exhibits and facilities the Center can offer the community. Remember to vote in the May City of Dallas municipal bond election!

Guests enjoy a Night Hike during Scissor-tails & Cocktails 2023 / A group of hikers on the trailhead bridge, observing birds during Community Day 2023

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center - San Antonio

FREE Entry Days – Wellness Weekend
Saturday, March 2 & Sunday, March 3
Free Entry 8:00am – 4:00 pm
Health and Wellness Activities on 3/2 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
FREE | Reserve tickets

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center hosts first Wellness Weekend! Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature has stress-reducing benefits. This spring, come to our free community event to relax and de-stress, while visiting with local partner organizations for health and wellness-related information. Enjoy mindfulness activities such as yoga, nature-journaling, and meditation walks among the beautiful native plant gardens and natural habitats.

Schedule
9:00 am Yoga with Angelica Newton
10:00 am Meditation Walk with Lindsey Payne
11:00 pm Storytime with Latino Outdoors
11:30 am Nature Journaling and Nature Healing Poetry with Mitchell Lake staff and Zan Green
12:30 pm Intro to Therapy Types with Ayana Brown - REACH Peer Support

Guided Bird Tours   
Sunday, March 3, 10, 17 & 24
Every Sunday morning at 8:00 am    
FREE for Members | $10 for General   
Registration suggested
 
A guided bird tour around the various habitats of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, experience 30-50 different bird species with an expert guide. Travelling by both car and by foot to access as many areas as possible, this tour is best suited for the birder age 15+ and can last up to four hours, though you may leave at any time. Space is limited. Bring your binoculars, bottle for water, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and bug spray.   

2nd Saturday Habitat Clean-Up   
Saturday, March 9
8:30 – 11:30 am   
FREE | Registration requested
  
Join Mitchell Lake and members of the community to spring clean the habitat! This can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants for birds and butterflies depending on the tasks of the day. All training provided. Groups are welcome! All children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Eligible for SAWS Watersaver Rewards.  

Lights Out Family Night Hike
Saturday, March 9
6:30 – 8:00 pm
FREE | Registration required

Experience Mitchell Lake Audubon Center after dark! Learn the importance of dark skies for migratory birds and nocturnal animals. Explore our trails with an experienced guide, and then enjoy a campfire and s’mores!

Spring Break Activity Week
Tuesday, March 11 - Saturday, March 16
FREE Entry 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Activities 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE | Reserve tickets

This year’s World Migratory Bird Day theme is insects Stop by the Mitchell Lake Visitor Center to learn how insects benefit migratory birds and other fun nature facts at our education table, and put your craft skills to work. Topics and activities will change daily.

Tuesday: Build a Bird Feeder
Wednesday: Make a Mini Bug Hotel
Thursday: Make a Bird Nesting Materials Holder
Friday: Make a Pollinator Watering Station
Saturday: Make Native Seed Balls

Spring Break Open House & Doggy Day
Saturday, March 16
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
FREE | Reserve tickets

Get outdoors with free entry all day at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Does your dog need some time in nature, too? Bring them along on your visit to Mitchell Lake! For one day only, bring your canine companion to stroll in our native plant gardens or along our walking trails. We will highlight specific trails available for our furry friends, to minimize any habitat or avian disturbance. Free doggy bags and native plant information available.

Migratory Bird Fest
Saturday, March 23 
9:00 am – 1:00 pm   
FREE 

Kick off spring migration with a FREE community festival filled with live birds and animals, games, crafts, vendors, native plant sales, food trucks, nature walks, exploration stations, and golf cart tours of the site’s wetlands.

Nature Journaling
Saturday, March 30
9:30 – 10:30 am
FREE | Registration required
Nature Journaling is a fun way to spark wonder and connection to nature. Join us as we take time to literally stop and smell the wildflowers, observe the details in nature, and learn the basics of nature journaling as we record what we find through writing and art. Art supplies and paper journals provided.

Ongoing Programs
40+ Double Dutch Club - Double Dutch Demonstrations
Ayana Brown/REACH Peer Support - Bridging Generations Activity
SAVE Clinic – Healthy Body Information
San Antonio Food Bank - Healthy Food Demonstration
New York Life Insurance - Life Insurance Information
Latino Outdoors - Bird Feeders
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center - Mural Art with Natural Brushes, Nature Bookmarks, Indoor Calming Corner/Reading Nook

In the Community  
34th Annual Earthwise Living Day
Saturday, March 2
9:00 am -1:00 pm
Leon Valley Community and Conference Center
6427 Evers Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238
FREE | More information: Earthwise Living | Leon Valley Texas

Now in its 34th annual celebration, Earthwise Living Day stands as the longest-running earth-focused event in Bexar County. Presenting the significance of sustainable living practices, focusing on recycling, energy efficiency, and the understanding conservation of invaluable natural resources — air, water, and soil. This year's theme is, "Resiliency in a Changing Climate".

San Antonio Water System Spring Bloom
Saturday, March 9
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
SAWS Headquarters
2800 US Hwy 281 North
San Antonio, TX 78212
FREE | More information

From bitter cold and brutal heat to bone dry and waterlogged, wild weather swings are becoming the norm, a challenge for resilient landscapes. SAWS Spring Bloom — the premier gardening event of the season — is right around the corner on Saturday, March 9! This year’s theme is “Creating Resilient Landscapes”. There’ll be interactive activities and practical tips on plant selection, watering, mulching, and more.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Saturday, March 16 | 2:00PM-3:00PM
Magik Theatre
420 S. Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78205
$27/ticket | More information

Hop on board for an unforgettable ride with the Pigeon in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! In this feather-filled extravaganza based on Mo Willems’ bestselling books, the Pigeon is back and he’s ready to take the stage. When the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers late, the wily bird sees his chance to take the wheel. With an innovative mix of actors, puppets, and feathers, this production brings the beloved characters to life like never before.

Medina River Natural Area Spring Festival
Saturday, March 30
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Medina River Natural Area
15890 TX-16, San Antonio, TX 78264
FREE | More information

Medina River Natural Area hosts its first Spring Festival for National Take a Walk at a Park Day. This is a free family friendly event where event visitors will be able to access food trucks, games & activities, arts & crafts, guided hikes, a presentation by Last Chance Forever: Birds of Prey Conservancy, and more!

Garden at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center - Cedar Hill

Grand Opening! Lights Out Art Exhibit and Movie Night     
Saturday, March 2
5:00 – 7:00 pm | Movie begins at 5:45pm
FREE | Registration Required for Movie Night    
Exhibit runs from March 2-30

View the newest documentary released by Audubon Texas and Cornell Lab of Ornithology about the Lights Out, Texas! initiative, enjoy the newly installed Lights Out Texas exhibit provided by Texas A&M University Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, and interact with some of the best conservation organizations to learn more about how you can help migrating birds.
   
Spring Sip & Shop     
Friday, March 29 
6:00 – 9:00 pm   
Registration recommended     

Join us for an evening of fun and explore the center after-hours with libations, discounted shopping, self-guided trail walking, and outdoor lawn games. Guests will enjoy a 20% discount in our nature store for the evening and be entered to win a giveaway of a bird art lithograph print from Scott and Stuart Gentling brothers’, Of Birds and Texas collection.

Dogwood Blooms!     
Late March/Early April 
Weekend Guided Hikes 
FREE for Members | $10 for General    
In Person | Registration Required     

Come see the special flowering Dogwood trees in bloom, the namesake of our canyon. Take a guided hike to get up close and learn the history of the area. Dates are determined when the flower buds let us know they are ready! Keep an eye out for announcements on our website and social media.

Native Plant Sale
Saturday, April 13 
In Person 9am – 2pm | Pre-sale online March 25-April 10 
More Information

Transform and improve your landscaping with native Texas plants! Native plants benefit pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, providing an enriching experience at home. Online pre-sale is available, as well as in-person at the center. Plant list will be available soon on our website.    
 
Lecture Series-Spring
Saturday, April 20 and May 18
5:00 – 7:00pm 
Registration required, starts at $10 

April 20: The Life and Times of the Golden-cheeked Warbler by Gil Eckrich, Former Wildlife Biologist at the Nature Conservancy, Texas. Gil is regarded by many as one of the foremost authorities on the life of the Golden-cheeked Warbler. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is lucky to have hosted Golden-cheeked Warblers in our canyon for the last two years.

May 18: Regional Weather of Texas by David Finfrock, former Chief Meteorologist, NBC 5.
In addition to being a popular, long-time meteorologist, David is also an avid outdoorsman. He'll combine his two passions in this presentation about how the weather across Texas shapes our great state.

Ongoing Monthly Programs
First Saturdays: Bird Walks, Yoga, Education Program
Second Saturday Animal Encounters
Wildlife in the City
Meet the Misfits

Other Programs:
Ecologies Game Night
Guided Tree ID Walk
Storytime and Animal Encounter

For more details and a full list of programs, visit Dogwood online.

Bluebonnets at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Thank you for your continued support of Audubon. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. For more information, events, and to find your local chapter visit https://tx.audubon.org/. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Audubon Texas
2407 S. Congress Ave., Ste. E - #477, Austin, TX 78704 USA
512-488-1266 | tx.audubon.org

© 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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