The information below is only a subset of AT opportunities available. If you find something on the list and wish to make sure it qualifies for AT, contact Teresa Du Bois. Follow the links below for more information to register or attend the meeting.
Saturday, December 4, 11, 18 2021 (virtual)
Join a ranger on Facebook Live for Lake Casa Blanca State Park updates, Q&A, and other fun information.
sydney.blackwell@tpwd.texas.gov
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-casa-blanca/park_events
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 AT 11 AM – 11:30 AM
Seaside Chat – The Effects of the 2021 Texas Freeze on the Southern Texas Coast
Register for Seaside Chats at tx.ag/TXSGseasidechats!
Join Cameron County extension agent Tony Reisinger and planning specialist Kate DeGennaro as they discuss the effects of the 2020 TexasFreeze, on most southern points in the state, especially how these changes affected sea turtles, pelicans, and native plants in the area. They will also discuss their efforts to help with cold-stunned sea turtles and monitoring water temperatures during the freeze.
Texas Sea Grant presents Seaside Chats, a monthly virtual conversation with #TexasSeaGrant experts and guests that explores the wondrous and impactful Texas coast and marine environment. There is more to the #Texas coast than meets the eye, and you can learn more about it at our #SeasideChats.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 (Virtual)
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Speakers: Adam Comer, Michael Sherer and Richard Loveland
Introduction to Microfishing
Microfishing is the intent to catch fish smaller than 6 inches long with a pole and line. Did you know? Of the 169 Texas inland fish species, only 17 are considered game fish. The rest, typically what we consider “minnows”, are diverse, integral and fun to catch.
All ages are welcome – participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is required. To register, click here and complete the form. A Zoom link will be sent out to registrants closer to the class date.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/education/an-introduction-to-microfishing-1
Thu, December 9, 2021 7pm – 8pm CST (AT Interactive Webinar)
Seasonal Native Plants
Williamson County, Chapter Meeting
Speaker: Native Plants with Beth Erwin
Beth Erwin has been actively engaged in promoting the use and preservation of native plants and habitats to the general public for the past 40 years. A charter member of the Louisiana Native Plant Society, Beth managed a private nature preserve there from 1993-2017. She has a B.S. in Horticulture. Beth is currently serving as president of the Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.
How to Attend: You must register in advance. Registration link:
https://npsot-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrc-Gtqz0uHdLQ8fC73TUpphy-vvkUF0dM
Thursday, December 9, 2021 6:00pm
Arroyo Colorado Audobon Society
Harlingen Library
Speaker: Clay Taylor
Subject: Swarvoski Optik Birding
Learn the use of CBC and binoculars
Field Trip to be announced
Saturday, December 11, 2021 8:30am to 10:30am
Santa’s Birding Tour
Estero Llano Grande State Park
3301 South International Boulevard
Weslaco, TX 78596
956-565-3919
https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/estero-llano-grande/santas-bird-hike
Santa will be on this walk suitable for all ages and experience levels!
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Santa’s a birder: he loves keeping a list and checks it twice during his annual trip to the Rio Grande Valley to spot those South Texas specialties like Green Jays, Plain Chachalacas, and Great Kiskadees, to name a few. Join Santa and his favorite bird guide friends on a special bird walk.
Free with admission ($5 for adults, children 12-and-under free).
Meet on the deck outside the Park Store.
You may want to bring bug spray, binoculars, walking shoes but not really necessary– come as you are! We have binoculars to lend!
More December events at Estero Llano Grande State Park can be found on the events listed at Friends of Estero Llano Grande State Park https://www.facebook.com/groups/foelgsp/events
TMN Tuesday, December 14, 2021 12noon to 1pm
The Future of Conservation- Will it look the same?
TPWD Hunter Education Coordinator Steve Hall will be joining us!
Recruiting, Retaining and Reactivating (R3) future customers to pay for conservation in Texas is a big deal!
Can the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the State’s fisheries and wildlife management steward, continue to rely solely on hunters, boaters and anglers to pay for conservation and management of wild landscapes, public waters, habitats and species? If so, can it engage enough future customers that participate in these activities to sustain a business model that is declining around most of the country?
The Texas R3 Strategic Plan, just introduced to TPWD employees and many of their agency partners, aims to continue a business model that has sustained conservation efforts in Texas for well over 50 years. But, it must also implement more robust strategies to protect, conserve and engage more urban, diverse customers, far removed from traditional land practices such as ranching, farming, and rural landscaping. There are many threats and barriers towards a thriving future for conservation. But as prideful as Texans are, such negative influences only bolster their wills to do more for this great state in providing for the agency’s mission “to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and other recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.”
Wednesday, December 14, 2021
RGVTMN Chapter Meeting
Social Time: 6:00pm to 6:30pm
Meeting Time: 6:30pm
Harlingen Public Library and virtual
Subject: Texas Tortoises
Speaker: Autumn Coronado
Come learn why some Texas Tortoises like these at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park have such hip coloring…and also find out why Autumn was almost arrested!
The speaker for the Rio Grande Valley Chapter Texas Master Naturalist Meeting on December 14, 2021 will be Autumn Coronado. Autumn is about to graduate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with her Bachelor of Science in Range and Wildlife Management and is working with her professors to research the home range of Texas Tortoises in an urban environment.
Links for virtual attendance will be emailed on the 13th.
Sat, December 18, 2021 9:30am to 10:30am
Useful and Edible Plants
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Presentor: Bianca Banda
(956) 584-9156, x235
bianca.banda@tpwd.texas.gov
Learn about the plants of deep south Texas and their importance to people & wildlife.
Bentsen Rio Grande Valley is home to many plant species that are unique to the area and have many, sometimes unexpected, uses. Join us as we take a take a walk and explore some of these green wonders.
Bring: Sunscreen, hat, water, comfortable shoes
Meet: Park Headquarters, Tram Turnaround
Cost: Entry fee is $5 for adults and FREE 12 & under (Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.).
Thursday, December 2, 16, and 30, 2021 10:00am to 11:00am
Resaca De La Palma State Park
Birding for Beginners
Meet: Meeting Room
Bring: Water, and binoculars (optional) dress appropriately for weather!
Fee: Included with park admission of $4 per adult and Free for kids 12 years and younger.
Birds are all around us! Learn how to identify these feathered friends and then try to find them outside in the park!
For more information, please contact the park at (956) 350-2920
December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, and 18, 2021 8:30am to 10:30am (In person)
Bentsen Birds
Location: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Meet: Park Headquarters, Tram Turnaround
Bring: Binoculars, sunscreen, hat, water, comfortable shoes
The early bird gets the worm! Bentsen Rio Grande Valley is home to many bird species that you can only get in the South Texas area. Join us as we take a look at some of our fabulous feathered friends. Join us for a guided walk showcasing special resident birds such as Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay and Altamira Oriole.
Registration:Attendance is limited. Call 956-584-9156 or sign up at Park Headquarters to reserve your spot.
Cost: Entry fee is $5 for ages 13 & older and FREE 12 & under (Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.)
Mon, December 20, 2021, 6pm – 8pm
STBCTMN Chapter Meeting
St. George Orthodox Church, 704 W Sam Houston, Pharr, TX (map)
All South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalist are open to the public.
Speaker to be announced.
Tuesday, December 21th, 1pm to 2pm Central Time Virtual
Eco-literacy and Conservation: The Convergence of Research, Policy and Education
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center, 714 S Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg, TX 78542
Please go online and see the various opportunities to see and learn about plants, wildlife, and birds, hike, do arts and crafts, and many other adventures.
For more information, please call (956) 381-9922 or visit https://www.EdinburgWBC.org.
Explore other TPWD opportunities at https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar.