The Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is welcoming spring with a full lineup of educational and outdoor programs throughout April 2026. From birding tours and wildflower walks to family nature activities and conservation events, these programs offer opportunities for the San Antonio community to explore nature, learn about wildlife, and connect with the environment.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for events is available at MitchellLake.Audubon.org/events.
Homeschool Adventures – Alien Invaders
Wednesday, April 1 | 9:30 – 10:30 AM
FREE for Family-level Members | $6 General | Kids under 5 FREE
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center’s Homeschool Adventures is a nature-based learning series designed for homeschool children ages 6–12. Each session focuses on conservation and environmental education through hands-on outdoor activities.
The April program, Alien Invaders, explores invasive species and their impact on local ecosystems. Students will learn how non-native plants and animals spread, what native species they affect, and how communities can help protect local habitats.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
FREE | Registration required
Spring is in full bloom at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Guests are invited to join a relaxed walk through the center’s native plant gardens to discover the wildflowers that support biodiversity across the region. Staff will share insights on native plants and offer tips for incorporating pollinator-friendly plants at home.
Pollinator Picnic
Saturday, April 4 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
$10 per person | Registration required
Pollinators play a vital role in ecosystems and food production. During the Pollinator Picnic, guests can enjoy a picnic lunch while learning how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators support plant life and agriculture. Participants will also learn simple ways to create pollinator-friendly spaces using native plants and water stations. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the picnic among blooming wildflowers.
Guided Bird Tours
Sundays: April 5, 12, 19, and 26 | 8:00 AM
FREE for Members | $10 General | Registration required
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center’s guided bird tours provide an opportunity to explore the center’s diverse habitats while spotting 30 to 50 bird species. Tours travel through wetlands, woodlands, brushlands, and grasslands by both vehicle and foot. The experience can last up to four hours and is recommended for ages 15 and older. Guests should bring binoculars, water, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and bug spray.
Family Time in Nature: Egg-cellent Eggs
Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM
$5 per person | FREE for Members | Registration required
Spring is the season of new life, and this family program focuses on the fascinating role eggs play in nature. Families will participate in an egg craft, dissect a chicken egg, and take a nature walk to search for eggs in the wild while learning about bird reproduction and wildlife habitats.
Free Entry Day for Earth Day and Native Plant Month
Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
FREE
Celebrate Earth Day and Native Plant Month with free admission to Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Visitors can explore the trails, learn about native plants that support pollinators, and pick up free native seed packets while supplies last.
Third Saturday Litter Bug Clean-Up
Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 – 10:00 AM
FREE | Registration required
Volunteers are invited to help keep Mitchell Lake safe and welcoming for birds and wildlife during the monthly community litter clean-up. All supplies are provided, and no experience is necessary. Participants must be at least 8 years old, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
City Nature Challenge Events Day
Saturday, April 25 | Various times throughout the day
FREE | Registration requested
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center will participate in the City Nature Challenge, a global community science event in which participants document wildlife in their cities using the iNaturalist app.
The day includes several activities to help participants observe and record species around the sanctuary.
A Beginner Bird Walk from 8:00 – 10:00 AM will introduce guests to birding basics while contributing observations to the challenge. An Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Bioblitz from 2:00 – 4:00 PM will explore water samples from Edwards Tank to identify aquatic organisms. Guests can also enjoy an After Hours Sunset Exploration from 4:00 – 7:30 PM to observe species active at dusk, followed by a UV Light Nocturnal Insect Survey from 8:00 – 9:30 PM to document moths and other nocturnal insects.
Beginner Bird Walk
Saturday, April 25 | 8:00 – 10:00 AM
FREE | Registration required
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center hosts more than 300 bird species annually across its 1,200-acre sanctuary. This beginner-friendly bird walk introduces participants to bird identification and proper binocular use while exploring the center’s trails. The program is family-friendly and recommended for ages five and older.
Participants will also learn about native plant gardens that attract birds and insects, and how community science programs help researchers better understand urban wildlife.
Through these April programs, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center continues its mission to connect people with nature and inspire conservation throughout the San Antonio community.
