Welcome Spring Migrants to Dogwood Canyon.

Spring has arrived in North Texas, and with it comes one of the most exciting seasons at Dogwood Canyon. As trees leaf out, wildflowers bloom, and insects begin to buzz, migratory birds return to the region to claim territory, find mates, build nests, and raise the next generation.

Among the most anticipated arrivals each year is the Golden-cheeked Warbler, a striking black, white, and yellow songbird that nests only in Texas. Its return to Dogwood Canyon is more than a seasonal milestone, it is a reminder of why habitat protection matters. The warbler depends on a highly specific habitat that includes old-growth Ashe juniper, oak trees, hilly terrain, and the limestone escarpments that make Dogwood Canyon such an important breeding area.

Birders from across North Texas visit for the chance to hear the Golden-cheeked Warbler sing and, with luck, catch a glimpse of one moving through the canopy. Each sighting reflects the value of conservation and underscores the importance of protecting places like Dogwood Canyon for migratory birds.

Plants for Birds: Growing Habitat at Home

Spring migration season also coincides with Dogwood Canyon’s biannual Native Plant Sale, which features native and well-adapted plants that support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program. Through classes and guided walks, the community is encouraged to incorporate native plants into yards, schools, and neighborhoods, helping reconnect fragmented green spaces and offset habitat loss.

Creating bird-friendly landscapes at home is an important part of broader conservation efforts. When people develop an appreciation for native plants, they also deepen their connection to the birds that rely on them. Building resilient urban habitats is one meaningful way to help birds thrive.

Learn, Explore, and Take Action

Dogwood Canyon’s Audubon Action Center invites visitors to learn more about birds and the ecosystems that sustain them, from insects and plants to soil and water. Admission is free, and guests are welcome to explore independently or participate in the center’s many programs and events.

Upcoming Highlights

A featured spring event is the Nature Art Show & Sale, taking place May 8–9, celebrating the connection between nature and the arts with nature-inspired artwork available for purchase. Additional upcoming programs include Moth Night, Habitat Volunteer Workday, Bird Window Strike Workshop, Bird Walks, Community Science Workshop, Prairie Grasses, and World Migratory Bird Day.

Summer Programs

Dogwood Canyon also offers engaging summer opportunities for children, teens, and adults.

Operation: Native Plants for Birds

For kids ages 8–13
Wednesdays & Thursdays | June 17 – July 23

This nature-focused program invites young participants to discover how plants help birds thrive, propagate seeds, explore the importance of healthy soil, and learn which plants best support birds at home and in local parks.

Beginning Birders Workshop

For teens ages 13+ and adults
June 13 – July 18

This five-part workshop is designed to turn curiosity into a lifelong hobby, covering:

• Birding Basics
• Bird Anatomy & Behavior
• Nature Journaling
• Community Science Apps
• A Final Guided Bird Walk

By the end of the workshop, participants will feel more confident exploring birds on their own, with registration details coming soon.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors to Dogwood Canyon can bring a friend, join a program, or simply explore at their own pace. The center features indoor and outdoor bird viewing areas, a children’s Nature Play Area, picnic spaces, three miles of scenic trails, an indoor Nature Nook, and a gift shop.

Dogwood Canyon offers more than a place to observe birds—it is a place to connect with nature and take part in protecting the ecosystems we all share.