Est. 2026 · Austin, Texas
Bat City
Council
Protect the Guardians of the Night Sky
Bats are the soul of Bat City. And they need your devotion.
The Story
Austin Is Bat City.
This Is Why.
Beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge lives the largest urban bat colony on Earth: 1.5 million Brazilian free-tailed bats. They emerge into the Austin sky in a spectacle that draws over 140,000 visitors each year just for the bats alone.
But Austin welcomes 60 million tourists annually and most have never witness the flight. Bat City Council exists to share bat experiences with everyone, and ensure the colony thrives for generations.
The Challenge We Face
Businesses benefit from bat tourism, but conservation funding is fragmented and under-supported. Sustainable tourism depends on healthy bat populations, yet the resources to protect them haven’t kept pace with the economic impact they generate.
“Sustainable tourism depends on healthy bat populations.”
1.5M
Bats in the colony
140K+
Annual bat tourists
60M
Austin visitors we can reach
The Mission
Connecting Culture, Commerce &
Conservation
in Bat City
Bat City Council is the bridge between Austin’s thriving economy and the living ecosystem that makes this city legendary.
Through business partnerships, individual devotions, and unforgettable bat experiences,
we fund and foster conservation directly, protecting the bats that protect Austin’s identity.
“You don’t have to become a bat expert. You just have to care.”
Culture
Enhanced bat tourism strengthens Austin's identity and economy.
Commerce
Businesses and individuals make devotions to the colony's future.
Conservation
Funds support Austin Bat Refuge, radar research, education, and local bat care.
The sacred cycle: Conservation fuels commerce. Commerce funds conservation.
Key RecipientS
Austin Bat Refuge
Radar data collection · Educational outreach · Local bat care
Bat City Films
Media resources · Educational support
EchoVision
XR Experience
Devotions
Devote to the
Night
Your devotion sustains Austin’s night guardians through ecotourism. Choose your place in the colony.
For Business
Business Ally
$2,500
/yr
Bat City Council Certified seal (digital + storefront), directory l…
Business Ally
$2,500
/yr
Bat City Council Certified seal (digital + storefront), directory l…
Bat City Council Certified seal (digital + storefront), directory listing, social media recognition, annual impact report.
Business Steward
$10,000
/yr
Everything in Ally, plus featured placement, co-branded PR, premium…
Business Steward
$10,000
/yr
Everything in Ally, plus featured placement, co-branded PR, premium…
Everything in Ally, plus featured placement, co-branded PR, premium decal and plaque, inclusion in Bat-Friendly Austin tourism offerings.
Anchor Partner
$25,000
$25K to $50K
Everything in Steward, plus press partnership, logo on major campai…
Anchor Partner
$25,000
$25K to $50K
Everything in Steward, plus press partnership, logo on major campai…
Everything in Steward, plus press partnership, logo on major campaigns, VIP bat experience, and category exclusivity.
For Individuals
Individual support of any amount.
$150
Bat Friend
Individual support of any amount.
$150
Bat Friend
Every devotion, at every level, keeps Austin’s night guardians in flight.
On Stripe you’ll find an option to devote any amount.
Experiences
Experience the
Night
Austin’s bats are waiting. The best time to visit the bats is mid-March to mid-April and late July, continuing through August when the baby bats have learned to fly – but we facilitate bat experiences year-round.
The Congress Avenue Bridge
The iconic experience. Watch 1.5 million Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. Beautiful and unforgettable when viewed from the bridge itself, the trail below, or by boat or kayak on Lady Bird Lake.
Plan your visit
Signature
Austin Bat Refuge: Private Encounter
An exclusive, intimate experience. Meet rescued bats face to face at Austin Bat Refuge, the devoted stewards of Austin’s mascot mammal and staple of Bat City culture. Available for devotees of Bat City Council.
Request access
Beyond the Bridge
Explore lesser-known bat roosts and bridges just outside Austin. For the curious and the devoted. Guided by Teresa Nichta.
Get in touch
Year-Round Bat Activities
Educational programs, group tours, private events, and conservation experiences, available any time of year. Austin is beautiful year-round. The bats at the bridge may not always be in full capacity, but there are always bats in town!
Get in touchThe Founder
Teresa Nichta
Founder, Bat City Council
Teresa Nichta is a conservation leader, producer, and bridge-builder who has spent over 12 years connecting science, art, technology, and community in service of a more regenerative future. She champions human-wildlife coexistence, meaningful collaboration, and innovative approaches to conservation and social impact.
Drawing from experience in nonprofit leadership, conservation, media production, and fundraising, Teresa has helped grow organizations from the ground up, led conservation initiatives across four continents, and produced projects with internationally recognized cultural institutions. She is passionate about bringing together scientists, artists, technologists, donors, and communities to transform bold ideas into lasting impact – creating experiences and partnerships that deepen our connection to the natural world and inspire positive action and change.
Supported by leaders across Austin’s business, tourism, and conservation communities.
Every flight begins with
devotion.
Support Bat City Council.
Protect what makes Austin legendary.
Programs
Conservation Media Resources · Rehabilitation Internships · Artist Residencies · Educational Outreach · Strategic Development · Unique Ecotourism Experiences · Inclusive Events
Devotions to Bat City Council support robust culture and harmonious future for bats and humans.