Thanks to renowned bat conservationist Merlin Tuttle’s lifelong dedication, bats are now a staple of Austin’s culture. Former Austin Mayor Steve Adler officially proclaimed Merlin’s birthday, August 26th, as Merlin Tuttle Day in honor of Merlin’s success in saving the city’s now world-famous bats. And this year, we’re celebrating the addition of a new, more interactive visitor experience on the Trail: Bat City. 

This collaborative effort between Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation, Austin Bat Refuge, Bat Conservation International, The Trail Conservancy, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is an educational experience designed to transform how visitors engage with Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony. Through on-site signage, digital content, short-form films, and interactive learning tools, the project blends science, storytelling, and public education to deepen understanding of one of the world’s largest urban bat populations. 

See the new signs and celebrate Austin’s bats: Wednesday, August 26, 5:30 – 8:00 PM.