Programs

Student Programs and Tours

We offer a variety of TEKS-aligned Academic programs and Tours at our center, on your campus, and at third-party facilities. Explore our program options below.

Nature of Learning Field Trips

Our award-winning Nature of Learning programs consist of hands-on activities relating to ecology, scientific observation, resource management, and building healthy ecosystems, for both people and animals. Students enjoy a day of movement and activity outside, all while being shown the importance of science in real time. Read on to see which program best fits your student’s needs and interests. Field trips can be scheduled year-round, Tuesday-Saturday.

Price: $9 per student/$7 per student-Title 1 Schools

Please note, a minimum of 15 student participants is required. If fewer than 15 students attend, a minimum of $135 will be charged for the program.

Program Options:

Wet & Wild: Wetland Researchers

Appropriate for 3rd-9th grade

Wetlands are very important for south Texas plants and animals, as well as humans. Using the scientific method students help Audubon Educators check the health of local wetlands by investigating its inhabitants and water quality.

Amazing Avian Adaptations

Appropriate for 2nd-5th grade

Be a bird’s best friend by learning about their amazing adaptations, surveying birds and learning about their various habitats, and discuss their conservation in your community.

Request a Program

To request a program for your class, please complete our Academic Program Request Form.

Customize Your Program

Some programs can be customized to align with students’ learning goals and grade level, from Kindergarten to 12th grade!

Homeschool Adventures

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center’s Homeschool Adventures is a set of outdoor, nature-based education classes for homeschool children ages 6-12. Classes will usually be held on the 1st Wednesday of every other month from 9:30-10:30am. Each class covers a different topic and includes hands-on learning and exploration into conservation at Mitchell Lake.

Price: FREE for Members; $6 for General

Topics:

August 7: Tracks and Scat- Learn how to look for and identify tracks, scat, and other signs of Texas wildlife!

October 2: Creatures of the Night! - Explore the awesome adaptations that nocturnal animals use to get around in the dark.

December 4: Winter Bird Feeding-What do birds eat in the winter? How do they keep warm when it’s cold? Learn about our feathered friends’ winter weather habits and make your own feeder to help birds in your space.

February 5: Duck Day!-Learn about our wetland habitat and the ducks that visit or call Mitchell Lake Audubon Center home.

April 2: Awesome Insect Art-Insects are beautiful, diverse creatures with amazing life stories. Learn about some amazing insects that live at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, and make your own colorful insect art.

June 4: Marvelous Mud!-June brings International Mud Day! Mud is useful for many birds and other wildlife. Get messy and explore the benefits of mud to animals and us!

Register Here for the 2024 - 2025 sessions

Guided and Unguided Tours

Guided and Unguided tours are a relaxed, outdoor field trip. There’s no science journal or activity stations; just freedom to explore the wonders of Texas native flora and fauna with expert guides explaining the history of Mitchell Lake, the importance of our habitats, and the wonders of all that we find on our expansive grounds. Tours can be scheduled year-round, Tuesday - Thursday.

Guided Tours

With an expert guide by your side, explore the wonders of Mitchell Lake and experience the local flora and fauna as the students hike to Bird Pond and back.

Price: $6 per participant; Tuesday-Friday

$10 per participant; Saturday-Sunday

Please note, a minimum of 10 student participants is required. If fewer than 10 students attend, a minimum of $60 on weekdays and $100 on weekends will be charged for the program.

Unguided Tours

Venture out on a self-led tour of our 1,200 acre preserve, equipped with a paper guide. Choose from different activities and Q&As to do with your students.

Price: $3.50 per student; $5 per adult

Request a Tour

To request a Guided or Unguided Tour, please fill out our Community Program and Tour Request Form.

Customize Your Program

Some programs can be customized to align with students’ learning goals and grade level, from Kindergarten to 12th grade!

Accessibility Statement: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center welcomes everyone, no matter their physical or mental abilities. Please let us know of any accomodations needed no less than one (1) week prior to your scheduled program.