August 2022 Advanced Training

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

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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

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TMN Tuesday, August 9 12:00pm 

Speaker: Craig Hensley

Subject: Texans to Conservation through meaningful Engaging Interpretation

Register: https://txmn.tamu.edu/tmntuesdays/#august222

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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

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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?

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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.

Register: http://www.willcountynature.org/learn–grow.html

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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