Experience Austin’s iconic Lady Bird Lake (Lower Colorado River) from a new perspective on a guided boat tour that pairs the excitement of bat watching with an in-depth look at shoreline restoration and urban wildlife conservation. Led by experts from The Trail Conservancy, the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department, the City of Austin’s Parks & Recreation Department, and a renowned local bat biologist, participants will set out at sunset to witness the world-famous emergence of Austin’s Mexican free-tailed bats.
The evening begins with a conversation on how restoring and protecting riparian habitats safeguards biodiversity, improves water quality, and strengthens climate resilience—all while enjoying the glow of downtown’s skyline at dusk. Along the way, speakers will illustrate the deep connections between Austin’s waterways, trails, parks, and wildlife, sharing community-driven strategies for balancing recreation with ecological health. The experience culminates (weather and nature permitting) with the breathtaking sight of up to 1.5 million bats taking flight from their home beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge into the night sky.