Building the Future of Mitchell Lake

In 2022, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center was awarded $6 million through the City of San Antonio’s 2022 Bond Program to support major improvements to the center. Since then, the journey from planning to construction has been shaped by passion, insight, collaboration, and a shared excitement for creating something special for both our community and the birds. As the Bond was developed, San Antonio residents shared feedback through public meetings, comments, and Community Bond Committees, while supporters of Mitchell Lake spoke up for continued investment in the center and its future.

San Antonio voters approved the Bond in May 2022, and in September 2026, those years of planning and collaboration will begin taking shape on the ground. Because the bonds are repaid through City property tax revenue, this project represents a true investment by the people of San Antonio in a place we all get to enjoy. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this next chapter possible, and excited to share it with you as it comes to life.

Made possible by our community, for our community.

Planning with Birds in Mind

At Mitchell Lake, we know construction doesn’t happen in an empty landscape. Throughout the planning process, our team provided recommendations on the timing and sequencing of work in different areas of the center, with particular consideration for bird migration and nesting seasons. Where possible, construction activities have been scheduled to help reduce disturbance during especially sensitive times of year.

These recommendations are just one way we’ve worked with the project team to balance much-needed improvements for our visitors and community with our responsibility to the birds and other wildlife that call Mitchell Lake Audubon Center home.

Construction Updates

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026. As work gets underway, we’ll use this space to share project milestones, temporary closures or access changes, photos, and other updates that may affect your visit. Any work that impacts access to critical areas of the site, such as the Welcome Center, wetlands, etc., will also be shared in the alert tab found at the top of the webpage.

Check back here for the latest information as the project moves forward.