Texas has long been a birding mecca throughout the year, and the economic benefits of highlighting birding and eco-tourism in San Antonio, Texas is showing that residents and businesses are seeing the positive impacts economically, ecologically, and emotionally. According to Steven Nivin, PhD, for every $1 invested in birding-related projects it is forecast that $9 will be realized in direct and indirect benefits to the people and city of San Antonio. Birding based eco-tourism has been acknowledged as an economic opportunity, and the city, Audubon, and other interested groups are investing as a result.
San Antonio's south-central location in the big birding state of Texas has been especially attractive during spring and fall bird migrations, and the interest in wintering birds and native nesting species is soaring. As a gateway to the Texas Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande Valley, the Texas Hill Country, the Big Bend region, and other highly attractive birding destinations, birders are reacting in especially positive ways by making San Antonio a birding destination.
A case in point that show how birding is fueling local economics is the continuing improvements being developed at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, where high-quality birding opportunities combined with outdoor education and recreation is benefiting the "Southside" of San Antonio. The benefits of nature-based places are welcome and important for the San Antonio community as well as visiting birders from other states and nations. As more tourists and residents identify Southside as a place to visit, recreate, and live, the area's restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses benefit from increased patronage as do other areas of the city and region.
In response to increasing interest in birding in the area, the Audubon Center is planning to add new viewing stations, resurfaced driving trails to be accessible in all weather conditions, rest areas along the walking trails, additional picnic sites, and an expanded education pavilion area to accommodate events, field trips, workshops, parties, and more! Modeled after the World Birding Centers in the Rio Grande Valley, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is conserving and improving its critical habitat for birds while expanding its attractions for people.
In addition to the investment of infrastructure improvements, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is restoring important grassland and wetland habitats and thereby creating a healthier place for birds and for people to experience. Other agencies and businesses are helping to contribute to the increasing role of birding in the city too, with the city bond program adding finances for specific projects. Similar investments and promotions have been important to create new dividends in other cities, and states too. To get more information about San Antonio's progress to promote birding-based tourism and to learn about Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, refer to The Importance of Birding for the Eco-Tourism Economy in San Antonio | Audubon