Explore Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Appropriate for 3rd-9th grade.

Wetlands play a vital role for plants, wildlife, and people in South Texas. In this hands-on program, students use the scientific method to investigate wetland health by examining water quality and observing the plants and animals that live there. Working alongside Audubon educators, students learn how wetlands function and why protecting them is essential for healthy ecosystems.

Appropriate for 2nd-5th grade.

Students explore what makes birds uniquely suited to their environments by learning about feathers, beaks, wings, and other adaptations. Through bird surveys and habitat exploration, students discover how different species survive and thrive, and discuss ways people can help protect birds in their own communities.

Some programs can be customized to align with your group’s learning goals and grade level, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. When submitting your program request, let us know what you’re hoping to focus on, and our education team will work with you to shape the experience.

Not all plants and animals belong here, and some can cause big problems! Dive into the world of invasive species to learn how they spread, what they displace, and what you can do to help protect native habitats. Interactive activities reveal the impact of “invaders” on local ecosystems.

Register today here!

Slither into the fascinating world of snakes! Learn how to identify a few local species, separate myth from fact, and understand the important role snakes play in nature. Meet a real snake ambassador and explore how these misunderstood reptiles help control pests and maintain balance.

Register today here!

45 - 60 minutes

How do we distinguish a mammal from a bird or reptile? A dialogue-based program led by an Audubon educator that allows students to understand the arrangement of the animal kingdom and the food web.

Students will:

• Examine skulls, furs, feathers, and touchable objects (e.g,. bobcat fur, bird feathers, turtle shell, coyote skull, raccoon tracks, rabbit scat) to explore the differences between and to categorize Texas’ wild animals
• Learn about the characteristics and adaptations of physical traits and behaviors that enable them to survive in their environment

Pricing & Additional Information:

• $100 for 1st presentation
• $75 for each additional presentation on the same day
• Maximum of 35 students & 5 chaperons
• Minimum of 3 chaperones required

45 - 60 minutes

Did you know that birds and bees are not the only pollinators we can find in nature? In this program, students will investigate how nature’s consumers are directly impacted by the presence of pollinators and their relationship with organisms in the food chain. Students will interact with live pollinators, create a classroom pollinator food web, and explore the plant life cycle by creating their own native seed ball.

Students will:

• Learn about pollinators and their place in the food chain
• Interact with live pollinators and learn ways to help them survive
• Create a classroom pollinator food web
• Make a native seed ball out of clay, water, potting soil, and seeds

Pricing & Additional Information:

• $125 for first presentation
• $100 for each additional presentation on the same day
• Maximum of 30 students & 3 chaperones
• Minimum of 3 chaperones required

45 - 60 minutes

Come “fly” the Central Flyway with us and learn about the fascinating world of birds in this engaging program. By observing real feathers, nests, and beaks, students will learn about the adaptations that make birds unique and how those adaptations help them survive in their environment. Students will recognize how structure matches function by working through bird beaks and eats stations and viewing bird skull models. This program inspires students with ways they can actively help birds in their own communities.

Students will:

• Observe bird feathers, nests, eggs, and beaks to learn about bird adaptations
• Participate in a hands-on bird beak station investigation
• Match real feathers to native bird pictures based on feather characteristics and discuss their adaptations

Pricing & Additional Information:

• $100 for 1st presentation
• $75 for each additional presentation on the same day
• Maximum of 35 students & 5 chaperones
• Minimum of 3 chaperones required

Explore the site with an experienced guide who leads your group along established trails to Bird Pond and back. Along the way, guides share the history of the site, highlight local plants and wildlife, and help students observe seasonal changes and bird activity in real time. Guided tours move at an easy pace and are designed to encourage curiosity, questions, and discovery.

Pricing

• $6 per participant, Tuesday–Friday

• $10 per participant, Saturday–Sunday

Group minimums

• Minimum of 10 student participants

• If fewer than 10 students attend, a minimum charge of $60 on weekdays or $100 on weekends applies

Guided tours are ideal for groups looking for a shared experience with structured interpretation, while still allowing time to observe and explore.

Unguided tours offer groups the freedom to explore independently at their own pace. Groups receive a paper guide with suggested activities and discussion questions to support learning and observation throughout the visit. This option works well for educators who prefer a flexible schedule or want to tailor the experience to their group’s interests.

Pricing

• $3.50 per student

• $5 per adult

Unguided tours provide a low-cost, self-directed way to experience the preserve while encouraging exploration, observation, and group discussion.