Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is welcoming fall with a full schedule of events designed to connect the community with nature. From homeschool classes and teacher open houses to bird walks, monarch workshops, and family night hikes, there is something for everyone to enjoy this October.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for all events can be found at: MitchellLake.Audubon.org/events
Homeschool Adventures: Monarch Magic & Pollinator Power
Wednesday, October 1 | 9:30 – 10:30am
Free for Family-level Members | $6 General | Kids under 5 Free
Registration Requested
Mitchell Lake’s Homeschool Adventures is a nature-based program for children ages 6–12. October’s class, Monarch Magic & Pollinator Power, introduces students to monarch butterflies and other pollinators through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.
Teacher Open House
Saturday, October 4 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Free | Registration Required
Teachers are invited to a come-and-go open house featuring TEKS-aligned activities, field trip demonstrations, and resources for connecting classrooms with nature. Enjoy light snacks, free admission, and enter for a chance to win prizes, including a free field trip for up to 50 students. Families of teachers are welcome to attend.
Guided Bird Tours
Sundays, October 5, 12, 19, & 26 | 8:00am
Free for Members | $10 General | Registration Required
Join an expert guide for a birding tour through Mitchell Lake’s habitats. Expect to see 30–50 bird species while traveling by both car and foot. Tours are best for ages 15+ and may last up to four hours.
Bilingual Bird Walk with Las Pajareras and Latino Outdoors
Sunday, October 5 | 8:00 – 10:30am
Free | Registration Required
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a bilingual bird walk. The morning begins with tacos, pan dulce, and bird-friendly coffee, followed by a relaxed walk while learning bird names in both English and Spanish. Binoculars will be available. Ages 15+ (youth must be accompanied by an adult).
Free Entry Day – Celebrate the Texas Pollinator Bioblitz
Saturday, October 11 | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Free | Reserve Your Tickets
Enjoy free entry to Mitchell Lake for a day dedicated to pollinators. Explore the gardens and trails, visit the information table to learn about the Texas Pollinator Bioblitz, and take home native plant guides to support pollinator-friendly habitats.
Second Saturday Habitat Clean-Up
Saturday, October 11 | 8:00 – 10:00am
Free | Registration Requested
Join community volunteers for habitat clean-up, including trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and native plantings. Training is provided. Groups are welcome, and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Monarchs and Milkweed Workshop
Saturday, October 11 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Free | Registration Required | Best for ages 12+
This interactive workshop explores the migration of monarch butterflies and their reliance on milkweed. Participants will learn about native plants, monarch conservation tips, butterfly tagging, and testing for OE spores.
Beginner Bird Walk
Saturday, October 25 | 8:00 – 10:00am
Free | Registration Required | Family-Friendly (ages 5+)
Perfect for new birders, this guided walk covers bird identification, binocular use, and an introduction to the 300+ species hosted annually at Mitchell Lake. Advanced birders are also welcome.
Family Mystery Night Hike
Saturday, October 25 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
Free | Registration Required
Families are invited to become mystery detectives on a self-paced night hike. Use clues at mystery tables to solve wildlife puzzles along the trail, then return to the Visitor Center for a small prize. Costumes are encouraged.
Plan Your Visit
October is an exciting month at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, filled with opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with the natural world. Whether you are interested in birding, pollinators, education, or family fun, Mitchell Lake has a program for you.
Learn more and register at: MitchellLake.Audubon.org/events
