contributed by Roberto Gaitan
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.
Online Opportunities
Sat, August 6, 13, 20 9:00am to 9:30pm
Lake Corpus Christi Park Saturday Morning Sit Down
Each week will feature a different location within the park and the opportunity to get your questions directly to a ranger. https://www.facebook.com/LakeCorpusChristiStatePark/events/?ref=page_internal
August 5 12:00pm
Fun Facts on the Desert Willow: What plant is called a willow but is not really a willow?
Desert willows are a popular plant in our Chihuahuan Desert not only for people but also for wildlife! Learn more fun facts about Desert Willows on our Fun Fact: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/wyler-aerial-tramway/park_events
TMN Tuesday, August 9 12:00pm
Speaker: Craig Hensley
Subject: Texans to Conservation through meaningful Engaging Interpretation
Tuesday, August 9 6:00pm
Birds at Home: Exploring Fall Warblers
Presented by: Black Swamp Bird Observatory Ornithologist Ryan Jacobs
Register at https://www.bsbo.org/birds-at-home.html
Tue, August 23 1:00pm
The Monarch Butterfly Conservation Webinar Series: Climate, Weather and Monarchs
–Join us online monthly at 1:00pm Central Time to explore the latest in Monarch conservation. Each webinar is 1 hour long. Learn more about topics and presenters at https://donate.monarchjointventure.org/event/the-monarch-butterfly-conservation-webinar-series/e383215?
Wednesday, August 31 6:30pm
Restoring the Little Things that run the World with Do
Sponsored by: The Nature Foundation of Will County
A recent UN report predicts that as many as 1 millioin species will disappear from plant earth. This presentation will remind us of the many essential roles insects play and how we can help them in our landscapes and our attitudes to keep the insects on the ground, in the air and on our plants.
In Person Opportunities
Tuesday, August 9 6:00pm
RGVCTMN – Chapter Meeting (Online and In-person)
Social Time: 6:00pm to 6:30pm
Meeting Time: 6:30pm
Location: Harlingen Public Library
Subject: Shrimp, Sharks and Sea Turtles
Speaker: Tony Reisinger
August 3 and 10, 2022 9:00am
Bird Walk at the Battlefield
Palo Alto Battlefield Historical Park
Come out and enjoy the park’s newest program – bird walks. This program is family friendly and geared towards beginning birders, but all are welcome. In this immersive outdoor recreation experience, you will:
- Discover the wellness benefits of the outdoors
- Build your observation skills
- See the world around you in a different light
August 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15 8:30am to 10:50am
South Padre Island Birding Center
Guided Birding Tours
Enjoy the best of nature on South Padre Island with our Naturalists!
Enjoy the beautiful bird life of South Padre Island on a nice and easy morning stroll on our boardwalk through stunning tidal wetlands along the Laguna Madre as well as a freshwater oasis with our Naturalists Educators as your guide. For your safety, the tours are limited to 10 participants through registration; Sanitized binoculars are loaned during the tour. Birding Tours at this time are limited to students above 13 years of age, adults, and seniors.
General Admission will be paid separately upon arrival to the birding and nature center.
Thursday, August 4, 11, 18, 25 and Sunday, August 7, 14, 21, 28
Estero Llano Grande State Park: Electric Tram Tour 2:00p to 4:00p
Join us on a narrated ranger-driven, two-hour tour of the park in a quiet electric tram. Reservations required.
Especially for those that are less mobile (but open to everyone!), we offer the opportunity to tour the park in electric open Bird Buses. Estero Llano Grande was designed as a walking park but hiking the trails has often been a hardship or impossible for some park guests. Now you can ride to most areas to see the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, alligators, frogs (and maybe even a bobcat) as well as the lakes, and the wonderful array of trees and shrubs that occur in the park. Great for a Sunday after-church outing!
Regular Park admission applies.
August 5, 12, 19, 26
Butterfly and Dragonfly Tours
Estero Llano Grande State Park: Butterfly and Dragonfly Tours 10:30am to 11:45am
Join us on a ranger-led tour through the park noting these beautiful insects, some found nowhere else but in South Texas. Over 300 butterflies and 100 dragonflies fly in the Valley, usually unnoticed and unappreciated–until now! Join a knowledgeable ranger as we seek out these natural wonders, some unique and found in the United States only in South Texas.
We’ve been having Butterfly Tours every Friday for the fifteen years Estero has been in existence. Bring your camera or binoculars if you like, but not so very necessary. Meet on the deck outside the Park Store.
Free with park entry.
Saturday, August 6, 13, 20, 27 and Sunday, August 7, 14, 21, 28
Bird Walk
Estero Llano Grande State Park: Bird Walk 8:30am – 10:30am
Join us on unforgettable avian adventure. With over 350 species of birds identified within our park and many of the Valley specialty birds you just can’t see outside of the Rio Grande Valley, our guided bird tours are a must for everyone. Whether you are new to birding and ready to learn your new outdoor obsession or if you are a seasoned and traveled expert with years of experience, this birding tour is sure to be an amazing time. If it’s too hot, and trail conditions permit it, we can bird from a quiet electric tram!
From our famous birding deck that has a record of 115 bird species in a day from one spot overlooking the beautiful wetlands, to the Tropical Area that has Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Clay-colored Thrushes and has attracted rarities like the Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard, White-throated Thrush, and Crimson-collared Grosbeak.
Free with park admission, all ages and all skill levels, no pets please. Family-friendly. Meet on the deck just outside the Visitor Center Park Store.
Sat, August 20, 2022 10:00am to 11:00am
Bentsen – Rio Grande Valley State Park: Useful and Edible Plants
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
Free with Entry fee (Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass).
Sat, August 20, 2022 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park: What’s In This Water?
Explorers of all ages can join us to discover the wonders of water through scientific methods.
Clean water is critical for life. Join us for a study of the chemical and biological properties of water through fun and interactive experiments. Find out why not all water is exactly the same. Bring: Sunscreen, hat, water, comfortable shoes.
Meet: HQ, Tram Turnaround
Free with Entry fee (Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass).
Thursday, August 25 8pm to 9:30pm
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park: Creatures of the Night
Take a stroll and explore the wildlife in the park after dark.
Meet: Headquarters, Tram Turnaround
Bring: Water, weather appropriate clothing, and flashlight (preferably red flashlight)
Registration: Attendance is limited; Call 956-584-9156 or sign up at Park
Headquarters to reserve your spot.
Free with Entree fee (park entry free with Texas State Parkpass)
Thu, August 11 and 25 10:00am to 11:00am
Resaca De La Palma State Park: Birding for Beginners
Birds are all around us! Learn how to identify these feathered friends and then try to find them outside in the park!
Meet: Meeting Room
Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, and binoculars (optional).
Fee: Included with general admission.
Saturday August 27 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Resaca De La Palma State Park: Plant Walk
Find native plants in the park on a stroll through the garden. Learn about the native plants found in the park!
Meet: Visitor’s Center
Bring: Comfortable clothes (dress for the weather), water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
Fee: Included with general admission.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 10:00am to 12noon
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands: Pondering Habitats
Have you ever wondered who lives in pond habitats? Join us to meet the residents of Dragonfly Pond with a fun dip netting activity.
For more information, please call 956-381-9922.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022 8:30pm to 10:00pm
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands: PARK AFTER DARK
Learn about the fascinating world that emerges after the sunset with this family- friendly evening program. Join our Naturalist as they lead you through the grounds on the search for these nocturnal critters. Flashlights and UV lights will be available, however, participants are encouraged to bring their own bug spray and flashlights. Limited spacing available!
For more information, please call 956-381-9922.
Saturday, August 20, 2022 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands: MAGICAL MICROSCOPES
See how microscopes can make the ordinary world look extraordinary! View everything from butterfly wings and pond water to plant parts under a microscope.
For more information, please call 956-381-9922.
Saturday, August 27 9:00am to 10:30am
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands: BASIC BIRD IDENTIFICATION
Join our center as we prepare for our upcoming birding season as fall migration begins. Our naturalist will teach visitors about birding basics, bird identification, and follow up with a bird walk.
For more information, please call 956-381-9922.
Explore other TPWD opportunities at https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar.
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