Audubon to Oversee Mitchell Lake
(3/2/04)
SAWS has finalized a contract for National Audubon Society to operate the Mitchell Lake Wildlife Refuge as a public use and education facility.
"Audubon is excited about our partnership with SAWS," said Iliana Peña, Audubon Society's new Mitchell Lake Center Director. "Our vision of connecting people with nature seems to echo throughout the SAWS organization. We truly look forward to engaging the wonderful city of San Antonio and surrounding area in everything that Mitchell Lake has to offer."
 |
|
Mitchell Lake is positioned on a natural migratory route and serves as a resting point for tens of thousands of birds each year. |
SAWS Board Chairman James Mayor said that choosing the Audubon Society as a management partner was a natural because of its long involvement with birding activities at the site, as well as its reputation.
"This is a major advance for Mitchell Lake and for San Antonio," said Mayor. "Audubon brings international prestige and helps ensure that the lake will have a key place in the environmental community. Hands-on outdoor activities customized to the area's unique ecosystem will help visitors better understand the local environment, and encourage a sense of long-term stewardship. The Audubon Center's outdoor programs will complement the conservation lessons students receive in the classroom from SAWS' innovative H20 University."
National Audubon Society (NAS) is a world-class non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
NAS has a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.
Mitchell Lake is located on a migratory route, and serves as a natural resting place for tens of thousands of birds each year. Mitchell Lake already draws birders from around the world but -- until now -- has been open on a limited basis, and without supporting facilities.
|
