Upcoming events at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center:

All events are free but please RSVP to MLAC at 628-1639 unless a specific item directs otherwise.

Saturday, July 19 — “Beginning Birding,” 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This class is for all ages and will be led by Audubon Texas Director of Conservation Dr. Andrew Kasner. Learn more about birding, bird identification and how to get the most enjoyment out of this interesting pursuit. Recommendations on field guides and information on how to use your binoculars will be offered.

Saturday, July 19 — “Gardening with Junior League,” a volunteer opportunity from 9 a.m. to noon. Light trimming of plants around center to encourage additional blooms in time for fall festival.

Saturday, Sept. 6 — “Good Bugs, Bad Bugs” with Molly Keck, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Do you think the only good bug is a dead bug? Molly Keck, program specialist with the Texas Agrilife Extension, will teach us how certain insects, "good bugs," can be used to control our bad ones. She will explain why just seeing a few bad bugs on your plants doesn't necessarily mean you have to start spraying. Molly will also discuss how overuse and unnecessary use of chemicals can have bad consequences for our water system. Space is limited.

Saturday, Sept. 13 — “Kids Birding 101,” 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A class for children to learn more about this fun activity. They will learn how to use binoculars and how to identify the birds they see. They’ll also get a chance to explore the habitat at Mitchell Lake. Space is limited.

Saturday, Sept. 13 — “Drip Irrigation,” 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. It isn't "rocket science" and it's not all that expensive. All you need is a pair of scissors, some tubing and a few small parts and you're all set. You can build enough in one morning to do all your beds. The neat thing about drip irrigation is that you can put water where it's needed, when it's needed. Master Gardener, Master Pruner, and gardening columnist, Dr. Tom Harris, will show you how to design, build, and install your own drip system. Space is limited.

Saturday, Sept. 20 – “4th Annual National Public Lands Day,” with volunteers from Toyota but you are welcome to help, too. Lots of projects around the site! Please contact volunteer coordinator Alicia Christian if interested.

Saturday, Sept. 27 — “Monarchs, Milkweed, & More! (Part 2)”, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Become a Citizen Scientist and learn about a fascinating creature: the Monarch Butterfly! This class teaches you about Monarch Butterfly migration, biology, and ecology, and their host plant, milkweed. The national "Monarch Larval Monitoring Project" is a project in which non-professionals and scientists work together to collect long-term data. You do not need to have attended Part 1 to enjoy and learn in this session. Space is limited.

Saturday, Oct. 25 — “2008 Fall Wildlife Festival and Plant Sale,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Still seeking volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors. And well worth attending as a guest, too. Numerous booths, tours and family activities. (NOTE: This is a change of date!)

“REGULAR BIRDING TOURS” — Birding tours are $5 per person for non-members, $3 for members. No reservation necessary. Times may vary due to season, please call to confirm.

* Every 2nd Tuesday morning.

* NEW TOUR! Every Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. until dusk.

* NEW TOUR! Every 2nd Sunday morning at 8 a.m.

* Every 3rd Sunday morning.

* Every 4th Saturday morning at 8 a.m.

http://www.tx.audubon.org/Mitchell_Calendar.html

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

10750 Pleasanton Road

San Antonio, TX 78221

210-628-1639