NATURE PROGRAMS 11 ADULT PROGRAMS TOUR THE MANSION & GARDENS
No reservations required. For groups of 15 or more, please call to reserve a private tour! Tours are included in General Admission $1 Seniors (65+) & $2 Adults THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: BIRD WATCHING Explore the wonders of McAllen’s big backyard on a guided walk along the half-mile of nature trails surrounding the historic 1930s adobe mansion. DATE: Tuesdays and Saturdays (October- April) TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. GARDEN TALK & TEA Stroll through the gardens and forest while learning about the edible and medicinal plants of south Texas. Guests will be treated to a tea sampling in the grand hall of the home. DATE: Wednesday mornings (October- April) TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. FOREST SCULPTURE TRAIL WALK Explore the enchanted Forest Sculpture trail as your guide introduces you to native animals of the Thornforest as represented by bronze sculptures by renowned artist Douglas Clark. DATE: Thursday mornings (October- April) TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. STROLL THROUGH HISTORY TOUR Enjoy the stories about the home, families, architecture, gardens and forest. The adobe home was built in the 1930’s and is recognized as one of the largest adobe homes in Texas. DATE: Friday mornings (October- April) TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. WALK WITH A GUEST NATURALIST Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and native trails with an expert in the monthly topic! Space is limited to 20 people per walk. DATE: 1st Saturday of the Month (October-April) TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. October 5 November 2 December 7
Butterflies Photography: Kenny Salazar Urban Birds
BRIDGING GENERATIONS OUTDOORS Designed for families & adults who enjoy discovering the great outdoors! NATIONAL HUMMINGBIRD DAY Discover the amazing world of nature’s flying jewels and how to attract them.
DATE: Saturday, September 7 TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FEE: $2 for adults, $1 for seniors & children BIG SIT “BIRDER TAILGATE PARTY” Join the thousands of other birders around the world for this “tailgate party for birders.”
DATE: Saturday, October 12 TIME: 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (drop in any time) FEE: $2 for adults, $1 for seniors & children BIRDING 101 Interactive class includes workshop followed by a hike on the trails identifying our local and migratory birds.
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Saturday, October 26 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $5 per participant (includes supplies) ACTIVITY# 720100.01
PROJECT FEEDER WATCH Learn about feeding birds and participate in this citizen science program from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Build your own hanging mesquite feeder to take home to your backyard!
DATE: TIME: FEE:
Friday, November 15 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $5 per participant (includes supplies) ACTIVITY# 720100.02
CELEBRATE URBAN BIRDS Join in on some fun learning activities as we Celebrate Urban Birds in the Rio Grande Valley.
DATE: Saturday, December 7 TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FEE: $2 for adults, $1 for seniors & children GEOCACHING: HIGH-TECH TREASURE HUNT Have fun finding “hidden treasure” in the forest and around the globe! Search for clues and points using GPS.
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Saturday, December 14 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $5 per participant (includes supplies) ACTIVITY# 720100.03
BACKYARD HABITAT STEWARD
Over 6 weeks, you will gain knowledge and resources to create a wildlife habitat in your own backyard. Six classes cover native trees, attracting wildlife, butterfly gardening, healthy soils with compost & mulch, designing your backyard and make new friends. DATE: TIME: FEE:
Tuesdays, October 15 - November 19 October 15, 22, 29 and November 5, 12, 19 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $60 per participant includes supplies, building a mesquite feeder & binder ACTIVITY# 720200.13
NATURE SPEAKER SERIES
Explore nature Thursday evenings with great speakers about everything from birds and butterflies to culture and art of the Rio Grande Valley. The educational series is brought to you by the generous sponsorship of Thurmond Eye Associates. DATE: Thursdays, October 2012 - April 2013 TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. AGES: Adults FEE: $2 for adults, $1 for seniors OCTOBER 2013 3 Cultivating and Cooking Cactus: Cris Sifuentez 10 Native Plants (talk & plant sale): Mike Heep 17 Imperial Woodpecker: Tim Gallagher, Cornell Lab of Ornithology 24 Autumn Arrival of Mariposas: Carol Goolsby 31 Ghost Bird: film screening & dress like an Ivory-billed Woodpecker NOVEMBER 2013 7 Birds of the Netherlands: Han Zevenhuizen 14 Extreme Raptor Show: Jonathan Wood 21 The World’s Worst Invasives: Dr. John Goolsby DECEMBER 2013 5 Is There an Ichthyologist in the House? Dr. Robert Edwards, UTPA 12 Natural Holiday Treasures 19 Texas Holiday Concert in the Park:Tish Hinojosa