South Texas BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER

8545 S. Staples St. Corpus Christi TX 78413 361.852.2100 F 361.852.7875 www.stxbot.org

Nature’s Brush Strokes juried art exhibition April through September

Features 30 outdoor reproductions of original works by area artists. Colorful wildflower and native plants in 30 x 60” vertical format, displayed along the Brennecke Nature Trail. Sponsors: Corpus Christi Arts & Cultural Commission grant, Port Corpus Christi, Joyce Barnette.

BIG BLOOM Plant Sale! Saturday, April 2, 9am-5pm DOLLAR DAY! (Members Early Entry 8-9am)

Our spring garden festival and only Plant Sale of the year! Kids activities, Orchid Sale, specialty vendors, butterfly release in the Butterfly House, ladybug releases, reptile shows and more . . . plant experts on site. NEW with Texas Master Naturalists—nature trail ‘walk and talk’ tours, kids ‘touch & learn’ tables in EcoFun Tent, and birding scopes on Wetlands Boardwalk. Buy a NEW membership at 10% off; get discounts on plants and Nature’s Boutique purchases. FLORA, FAUNA, affordable FAMILY FUN!

ROSES, ROSES, ROSES! OPEN ROSE SHOW! Saturday, April 16, 9am-6pm. Education Station Meeting Room

See beautiful American Beauties from area gardens as the Corpus Christi Rose Society invites people to show off their roses, and see and smell varieties that thrive in our region. Ask questions and get growing tips from Rose Society members. Anyone may exhibit rose blooms. No exhibition fees. Entries must be submitted on Friday, April 15, from 2 to 5pm, or Saturday 8 to 9am at Botanical Gardens Education Station. FREE ADMISSION TO ROSE SHOW in Education Station (General Admission applies to visit rest of Botanical Gardens). FMI: Jan Shannon, Corpus Christi Rose Society, 361-241-7141.

NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY! MOMS GET IN FREE! Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 6-8. MOTHERS DAY FREE WEEKEND /

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day with us and the American Public Gardens Association, on Mothers’ Day Weekend! At Visitors Center Check-in, all a mother needs to say is “Moms Love Flowers!”, and she gets in free. Sorry, the rest of the family pays general admission. (Of course, members always get in free.) SPECIAL MOMS DAY DEAL: Buy Mom a membership this weekend, at 20% off for a year’s worth of free admission, Nature’s Boutique, Turner’s Gardenland and other discounts, plus 300 Reciprocal Gardens!

SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS ORCHID SHOW Saturday/Sunday, May 7/8, 9 am-6 pm. Education Station.

See beautiful blooming specimen plants from Coastal Bend’s orchid aficionados’ private collections and locals that just love to grow these fascinating tropicals. Plants and other orchid products will be available from vendors. Anyone may exhibit plants. No exhibition fees. Entries must be submitted on Friday, May 6, 9-6, at Botanical Gardens Education Station. FREE ADMISSION TO ORCHID SHOW in Education Station (General Admission applies to visit rest of Botanical Gardens). FMI: Sam Jones, Orchid Curator, 361-290-7429.

FATHERS’ DAY FREE WEEKEND aturday & Sunday, June 18 & 19 S

Just say, “It’s Fathers’ Day,” and Dad gets in free Saturday & Sunday Fathers’ Day weekend! Be “Buds” with Dad, enjoy Parrot Talk, gardens, resident reptiles, Gator Lake, trails, other guy stuff! Sorry only dads are free—all other non-members pay general admission!

Bonsai Bonanza Saturday–Monday, July 2-4, 9-6 daily

Discover the serene beauty of these tiny trees as Corpus Christi Bonsai Club shares their personal specimens with the public on July 4th weekend. Club members will on hand for questions and ongoing “how-to” demonstrations as they manipulate miniature branches into living works of art. FREE ADMISSION TO BONSAI BONANZA in Education Station (General Admission applies to visit rest of Botanical Gardens). FMI: Yvonne Padilla 992-0009.

Wildlife in Focus — October 8-September 30, 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION150 full-color winning photographs from 2015 Wildlife in Focus biennial photography competition, with photographers’ metadata, on art pillars along the Brennecke Nature Trail. Shot by photographers partnering with South Texas landowners, the competition was judged in categories of birds, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles/amphibians, specialties. Included in general admission, 9 am to 6 pm daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas. Information, 361-852-2100, stxbot.org; 361-881-9316, wildlifeinfocus.org.

MOONLIGHT IN THE GARDENS 2016 Friday evening, October 14.

Botanical Gardens signature fundraiser, presented by CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery, chaired by Board members Dr. Mary Jane Garza & Darcy Schroeder. Exciting Spaceport Air Lock Entry, Astronomical Appetizers, Stellar Spirits, Best Steak on the Planet, Saturn’s Sweets, with entertainment—Martian Music Bar on Apollo’s Patio, Starlight Silent Auction & Grand Galaxy auction, Pictures with Parrots, Lunar Illlumination, Nep-tunes and dancing with Flashback, Vulcan Valet parking! This year, at Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Drive, due to S. Staples Street improvements causing possible “Moon Landing Congestion!” Table sponsorships available; Individual Seating--$125 per person, $100 members. Information, 361-852-2100.

BOTANICAL GARDENS ‘BUCK’ DAY! Saturday, November 5, 9 am to 6 pm.

Before the Plumeria are tucked away for winter, while tropicals are in top form, while butterflies are in abundance, everyone can visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center--enjoying the FLORA, FAUNA AND FUN--for just $1 per person! See the Rose Garden, Orchid Conservatory, Bromeliad Conservatory, ‘artful’ Sensory Garden . . . meet Resident Reptiles and exotic parrots, enjoy a butterfly release in the Butterfly House, explore trails and wetlands, shop new Nature’s Boutique. Sponsored by PORT CORPUS CHRISTI.

Joan Batman Nature’s Boutique HOLIDAY SALE for MEMBERS!

Saturday, November 19-Thursday, Saturday, December 31. All your favorites, and generous selection of new merchandise and books—all 20% off for members. Beat Black Friday, avoid Holiday shopping crowds, find unique merchandise in relaxed, intimate setting with reasonable prices! NOT A MEMBER???? Purchase your membership before you shop. GIFT MEMBERSHIPS make great gifts to enjoy all year. Open daily 9am to 6pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

2016 Calendar: Events Adult Classes Blacklock Birding/Natural History Kids Stuff

Education Calendar sponsor 2 ORCHIDOLOGY 1st Thursday of the month, 7 pm On-going Orchid chat-and-learn monthly class series, for novice to experienced growers, with Orchid Curator Sam Jones, in the Education Station classroom. Monthly topics range from different orchid genera to specific orchid culture techniques. FREE for all orchid lovers! Orchids for sale at most meetings. For information, call 361-290-7429.

WINTER LECTURE SERIES From 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, January 6 through February 24. A variety of unique nature and horticultural topics which define and explain our unique South Texas Environment. For Winter Texans, other travelers and Coastal Bend residents. MEMBERS FREE! Non-members free with General Admission.

Jan 6 Turtle Patrol –Padre Island National Seashore, Sea Turtle Science & Recovery

Jan 13 Heirloom Gardening with the Three Sisters – Justin Butts, Four String Farm

Jan 20 Herbs for Healthy Living – Susan “Sparky” Sparks, Chiron Holistic & Sparky’s Spa

Jan 27 Preparing for the Purple Martin Invasion – Louise Chambers, Purple Martin Conservation Association

Feb 3 Fascinating Fireflies – Don Salvatore, Boston Museum of Science, Firefly Watch Coordinator

Feb 10 Plants That Grow Amuck! Invasives & Alter-natives – Kris Kirkwood, Texas Master Naturalist, Mid-Coast Chapter

Feb 17 Tomatoes 101 – Carol Krank, staff Horticulturist

Feb 24 Saving the Monarch – Dr. Michael Womack, Executive Director & Horticulturist

BEEKEEPING BASICS Saturday, January 23, 10-noon. Justin Hodge of Coastal Bend Beekeepers Association shares importance of these often misunderstood garden pollinators and how to start a home hive plus other resources for becoming a backyard beekeeper. Products will be available for purchase. Class fee included in general admission. Members Free!

ROSES—PREPARATIONS FOR SPRING! Saturday, January 30, 10-noon. Corpus Christi Rose Society members present a South Texas rose-growing lecture and workshop on preparations for beautiful spring blooms, followed by hands-on pruning and planting demos. Class fee included in general admission. Members Free!

CITRUS CANKER & CITRUS GREENING– NEW DISEASE THREATS IN TEXAS Saturday, February 6, 10-noon. Texas Department of Agriculture experts will help homeowners and landscape professionals understand the history of this disease and its potential impact to landscapes and the agriculture industry. Get the most up-to-date information along with tips on earn how to identify the symptoms and how to protect your backyard citrus trees. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

MORE VEGETABLE GARDEN BOUNTY Saturday, February 13, 10-noon. Staff Horticulturist Carol Krank gives great gardening guidelines and a specific plan for your vegetable garden--what, when, where, and how to plant--plus proven maintenance, fertilization and insect prevention methods, with charts and instruction sheets available. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE GARDENS FOR SOUTH TEXAS Saturday, February 20, 10-noon. Gill Landscape Nursery Landscape Designer, Kathy Hubner discusses Mediterranean Coastal Area plants which will grow in here, plus others that will give you that unique design style here in South Texas. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

RAINWATER HARVESTING Saturday, February 27, 10-noon. Discover the different options to collect rainwater at your home from Nueces Master Gardeners Carlos Valdez and Suzy Murry. Get ideas on easy, practical ways you can adapt your home and landscape to conserve this valuable natural resource. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER Saturday, March 5, 10-noon. Learn how to make your yard the envy of the block with proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing tips with Horticulturist and STBGNC Executive Director Michael Womack. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

OUTDOOR DUTCH OVEN PIONEER COOKING Saturday, March 12, 10-noon. Karen Howden with Nueces County Historical Society will provide tips, demonstrations and recipes for cooking on a campfire or even your backyard barbecue grill using dutch ovens. Sample tasty recipes as you learn more about this forgotten art of cooking. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

MAKING MINIATURE GARDENS! Saturday, March 19, 10-noon. Staff Horticulturist Carol Krank talks about containers and accessories to create your own miniature container garden, perfect for fairies, gnomes and other tiny garden guests. Materials available to purchase separately for a hands-on workshop following lecture. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! EDIBLE LANDSCAPES Saturday, March 26, 10-noon. Nueces Master Gardener Deb Holliday gives inspiration to home gardeners to transform their landscape into a living produce stand by planting attractive and tasty additions to pockets in your landscape and by incorporating edible container gardens to your patio. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

ADULT

CLASSES .

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, Class fees included in general admission; FREE for members! With exception of evening classes, check in at Visitors Center for class location.

3 COMPANION PLANTINGS Saturday, April 23, 10-noon. Creating a beautiful successful landscape requires knowing what plants grow well together. Gain insights and suggestions for grouping plants in your landscape and in containers to create a look worthy of gardening magazines. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

TROPICAL PARADISE Saturday, April 30, 10-noon. This class will introduce you to vibrant tropical plants that will transform your landscape into a tropical paradise. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

WHAT’S BUGGING YOU? Saturday, May 21, 10-noon. Learn how to identify summer pest infestations and the pests that cause them, damaging your lawn and garden. Master Gardener Beth Spirko’s lecture also will cover both natural alternatives to minimize damage and other non-chemical options for pest control. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

MARVELS OF MOMMA MARTINS Saturday, May 28, 10-noon. Louise Chambers of the Purple Martin Conservation Association shares insights of attracting Purple Martins, their ideal housing, and gives a peek into the nests of STBGNC martin colony as she conducts nest checks. Learn what it takes to be a proud mom to these tiny but ravenous baby birds. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

DRIP IRRIGATION AND CATCH-CAN AUDITS Saturday, June 4, 10-noon. Learn how to test your home irrigation system to determine its efficiency from Nueces Master Gardener and Irrigation Efficiency Specialist Suzy Murry. Also learn more about drip irrigation and how you can install your own system to begin saving water in your landscape. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

SUPER SUCCULENTS Saturday, June 11, 10-noon. Learn how to combine a variety of these water-efficient plants and creative containers to create living art for your home and patio with Merlien Wilder of Gill Landscape Nursery. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

READING OUR PALMS Saturday, June 18, 10-noon. Learn the wide variety of palms grown easily in the Coastal Bend, and tricks to trying more challenging varieties from local South Texas Palm Society expert Daryl Smith. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

HOT BLOOMERS Saturday, June 25, 10-noon. Whether you want knock-out summer color for your front landscape, or soothing shades for patio pots, our HOT BLOOMERS seminar covers it. Gill Landscape Nursery’s Debbie Pinkerton shows you the latest hues and hybrids that can take the heat. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! MULCH WORTH MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Saturday, July 9, 10-noon. Discover water-savings and other benefits of mulches and which types truly are the best for your landscape needs from Horticulturist and STBGNC Executive Director Michael Womack. Class fee included in general admission; MEMBERS FREE!

NEW PLUMERIA PASSIONS Saturday, July 16, 10-noon. Plumeria Society member Frank Eicholz will discuss tips on purchasing and raising these exotic, tropical beauties, and lead a tour of the Gardens & Nature Center 100-plant Plumeria Garden & Willoughby Viewing Platform. Winter hibernation also is covered. Limited plants may be for sale. This seminar will give newer plumeria growers basic knowledge before the Plumeria Society’s annual sale 10 am to 1:30 pm, Saturday, July 23, at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely. Seminar included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

INVASIVE SPECIES & BIOCONTROL Saturday, July 23, 2016, 10-noon. USDA entomologist and biocontrol research scientist Dr. John Goolsby, world’s premier biocontrol scientist tackling Giant Cane weed control in the Rio Grande Valley, also has begun work on Guinneagrass management, and will speak on “Biocontrol of Invasive Species”. Seminar included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY-PREPARING FOR HOLIDAY HERB COOKING! Saturday, July 30, 10-noon. Start planning NOW for holiday feasts seasoned with fresh herbs from your backyard or patio. Nueces Master Gardener “Herbies” will teach you to grow and use herbs for traditional Holiday meals and provide other fun herb recipes to spice up your buffet for guests. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! LIVING WREATHS Saturday, August 6, 10 to noon. Master Gardener Stephanie Martin will demonstrate how to create living works of art for your door or patio using succulents and other hardy plants, getting conversations started before guests even come inside. Discover which plants work well and how to creatively use containers and wreath materials as planters. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

4 WHAT, WHERE, WHEN OF FALL VEGETABLE GARDENING Saturday, August 13, 10 to noon. Great gardening guidelines by Botanical Gardens horticulturist Carol Krank, give you specific plans for what, when, where, and how to plant your vegetable choices. This informative lecture also includes proven maintenance, fertilization and insect prevention methods, charts and instruction sheets. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! PLANTS THAT GROW AMUCK! Saturday, August 20, 10 to noon. Texas Master Naturalist Kris Kirkwood helps home gardeners identify common landscape plants that grow so well they are now considered invasive species, and shares her ideas for better “alter-native” choices indigenous to our area. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! LIVING OFF THE LAND - FORAGING SOUTH TEXAS WORKSHOP Saturday, August 27, 9 to noon. Forage our nature trails with noted native plant expert Mark “Merriwether” Vordergruggen, author of Foraging Texas, to gain insight about safely and ethically collecting local wild plants for food, medicine, providing new perspectives on our often overlooked South Texas brush. Workshop open to ages 12 & up. Workshop fee $40; $35/members. Mark will have copies of his books for sale! SPA DAY FOR FALL ROSES! Saturday, September 17 10-noon. Corpus Christi Rose Society provides insights for fall grooming and rose care to get your American Beauties back into full bloom for the fall and winter. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! BACKYARD GRILLING WORKSHOP Saturday, September 24 10-noon. Learn which woods to use and grilling techniques; understanding organic, grass-fed, and natural products; selecting the best product for your family food budget; growing and using fresh herbs; and nutritious recipes for a one-of-kind grilling party at your home from Nueces County’s Texas Agri-Life Extension agents; culminating with taste-testing. Workshop fee $38; $30/members, lunch included. PREPAID REGISTRATION by September 19, 361-767-5217.

SAVING THE MONARCH & MILKWEEDS! Saturday, October 1, 10-noon. Learn all about native milkweed varieties and local efforts to harvest seeds and establish monarch waystations to ensure the survival of these fascinating creatures for future generations. Learn how you can get involved in your home garden or in community conservation efforts from Botanical Gardens Executive Director and Horticulturist Michael Womack. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

MAKING MINIATURE GARDENS! Saturday, October 8, 10-noon. Staff Horticulturist Carol Krank talks about containers and accessories to create your own miniature container garden, perfect for fairies, gnomes and other tiny garden guests. Materials available to purchase separately for a hands-on workshop following lecture. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! TAMAULIPAN THORNSCRUB OF SOUTH TEXAS Saturday, October 22, 10-noon. Enjoy an informative ‘Native Habitat Trail Walk’ and visual presentation with members of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) as they identify and explain natural history of many natives in our nature trail and wetland areas, plus their value in the landscape and butterflies they host. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

PROPAGATION 101 Saturday, October 29, 10-noon. As you do fall pruning, learn how to recycle those cuttings and seeds to create new plants, with Nueces Master Gardener Certified Propagation Specialist Rosemary Plank. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

WATER GARDENS IN WINTER Saturday, November 12, 10-noon. Don’t forget about your pond just because it is cold. Discover how to keep your water garden healthy in winter from the professionals at Aquaria Services. Denise Housler shares tips on how to keep your pond in top shape during the cold winter months so it will recover quickly for a bounty of blossoms next spring. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE! GETTING READY FOR COLD WEATHER Saturday, November 19, 10-noon. Remember to leave time in your holiday schedule to ready your landscape for winter. Retired Nurseryman and Master Gardener Frank Eicholz shares his insights on how to ready your plants and yard for the cold. Class fee included in general admission. MEMBERS FREE!

5

BLACKLOCK’S INTRO TO EXCITING WORLD OF BIRDS: 1-Day Short Course Class: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 9 am-noon, Education Station. Field Trip: 1:30-5:30 pm Basic introduction for beginning birders with little or no experience in birding. Study some of the 450 known bird species in South Texas, with acclaimed birder, naturalist, educator and author Gene Blacklock. $45 members; $60 others. Prepaid registration required by Jan.15, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions, 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S INTERMEDIATE FIELD BIRD IDENTIFICATION: 3-Day Short Course Feb. 2—Class 9 am-noon; Field Trip 1:30-5:30 pm. Feb. 9—Field Trip 7:30 am-noon; Class 1:30-5:30 pm. Feb. 16—Field Trip 7:30 am-noon; Class 1:30-5:30 pm.

For those needing an intermediate field bird ID experience to jump from Beginners’ long series to Advanced. Includes common characteristics of bird groups--songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey--$95 members; $110 others. Prepaid Registration by Jan. 28, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions, 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S ADVANCED BIRD ID & NATURAL HISTORY SERIES: 10 Classes, 3 Field Trips Monday classes: 6:15-9:15 pm, Feb. 8, 22, 29; Mar. 7, 14, 21; Apr. 4, 11, 25; May 2. Saturday Field Trips: March 19, April 16, May 7—times vary. Next step after Beginning Birding Class/Series; or for those with some field experience in bird ID. Seasonality, migration, habitats, identification marks, species in Biotic provinces of Texas. $200 members; $235 others. Prepaid registration by Feb. 5, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions, 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S BEGINNING WILDFLOWER ID & NATURAL HISTORY: 2-Day Short Course Class: Friday, Mar. 11, 6:15-9:15 pm, Education Station. Field Trip: Saturday, Mar. 12, 9 am-1 pm Practical, hands-on class and field trip for beginners identifying and studying native Texas wildflowers in Coastal Bend ”hot spots.” $45 members, $60 others. Prepaid registration by March 6, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions, 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S BIRDS AND SPRING MIGRATION: 1-Day Short Course Class: Saturday, Apr. 9, 9 am–noon, Education Station. Field Trip: 1:30-5:30 pm Experience unique bird species that pass through South Texas during spring migration. $45 members; $60 others. Prepaid registration by Apr. 4. 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions, 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S SHOREBIRD IDENTIFICATION, ALTERNATE PLUMAGE: 1-Day Short Course Class: Saturday, May 14, 9 am-Noon, Education Station. Field Trip: 1-5 pm For all levels of birders, studying Coastal Bend shorebirds, life histories, migration timelines, summer breeding plumage. Bring binoculars. $45 members; $60 others. Prepaid registration by May 10, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S INTRO TO EXCITING WORLD OF BIRDS: 1-Day Short Course Class: Saturday, Sept.10, 9 am- noon, Education Station. Field trip: 1:30-5:30 pm Basic introduction designed for beginning birders with little or no experience in birding. Study some of the 450+ known bird species in South Texas. $45 each members; $60 others. Prepaid registration by Sept. 8, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S BEGINNING BIRD ID SERIES: 10 Classes, 3 Field Trips Begins Monday, Sept. 19, running through Dec. 3. Classes: Mondays, 6:15-9:15 pm; Sept. 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; 31; Nov. 7, 14, 28; in Education Station. Field Trips: Saturdays, Oct. 22, Nov. 12, Dec. 3. Designed for those who wish to know more about bird identification, but have little or no field experience. $200 members; $235 others. Prepaid registration by Sept. 15, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions 361.558.1829.

BLACKLOCK’S HAWKS IN FLIGHT IDENTIFICATION: 2-Day Short Course Class: Friday, Sept. 23, 6:15-9:15 pm, Education Station. Field Trip: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9:30 am-1 pm In time for fall migration and Corpus Christi Hawk Watch, local naturalist Gene Blacklock discusses common “birds of prey”. $45 members; $60 others. Prepaid registration by Sept. 18, 361.852.2100. Curriculum questions 361.558.1829.

Gene Blacklock is an acclaimed birder, naturalist, author and educator. For curriculum questions, call him at 361.558.1829.

IF PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED, CALL OR COME BY THE BOTANICAL GARDENS: 361-852-2100

GENE BLACKLOCK Birding & Natural History STUDIES: 2016

[TRIP B] KANSAN REGION STUDY, Northwest Panhandle “A Touch of Winter”—Headquarters Amarillo, La Quinta Inn Airport. (Palo Dura and Caprock Canyons State Parks, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Meredith, Red Bluff Lake) Class—Friday, January 22, 6:15-9:15 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station. Field Trip—January 25-31, including travel days. Highlights Nearctic birds wintering in Texas. Cost: $750 Botanical Gardens Members; $830 Non-Members (includes 1-year BG membership) [Costs include use of 15-passenger van on safari; but not air or ground transportation to point of start] POSSIBLE TRIP SPECIES: Pacific Loon, Western Grebe, Clark’s Grebe, Tundra Swan, Rough-legged Hawk, Snowy Owl, woodpeckers, towhees, ravens, sparrows, Western Meadowlark, Sand Hill Crane, finches, more. [TRIP C] CHIHUAHUAN/MEXICAN REGION STUDY, Trans Pecos “Land of Shadows & Sun” —Headquarters Big Bend Lodge and Davis Mountain Lodge. (Davis Mountains, Mount Livermore Circle, Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Cottonwood Campground, Rio Grande Village) Class—Friday, April 15, 2016, 6:15-8 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station. Field Trip—April 17-23, including travel days. Costs: $750 Botanical Gardens Members; $785 Non-Members (includes 1-year BG membership) POSSIBLE TRIP SPECIES: Elf Owl, Colima Warbler, Western Screech Owl, Montezuma Quail, Zone-tailed Hawk, Western Bluebird, more. Max 10, min 6. PREPAID REGISTRATION required by March 1, 361.852.2100. QUESTIONS: Gene Blacklock, 361.558.1829.

TRAVEL & LEARN! Gene Blacklock’s BIOTIC PROVINCE SAFARIS TRAVEL & LEARN!

Explore biological regions of Texas area with birder/educator/naturalist/author Gene Blacklock; Co-sponsored by the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.

Rotational including KANSAN (Panhandle); BALCONIAN (Hill Country); CHIHUAHUAN (Trans Pecos); AUSTRORIPARIAN (Piney Woods); TAMAULIPAN (South Texas); NAVAHONIAN (North Central New Mexico)—all equally exciting and interesting! Exploring these areas provides unique opportunities to see some of the most fascinating and beautiful flora and fauna regions within the United States, as well as some of the most attractive birds of North America. Special emphasis will be finding and seeing all birds (1) specifically endemic to each of these regions; (2) in the appropriate season to see them; (3) with a time line to maximize optimum opportunities to see the greatest species diversity.

2016 Safaris

2017 Safari

2018 Safaris

[PARTICIPANTS MUST PROVIDE OWN TRANSPORTATION, ACCOMMODATIONS, FOOD AND DRINKS, BIRDING EQUIPMENT, PERSONAL ITEMS, OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES,—CARPOOLING ENCOURAGED.

Gene Blacklock or the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center are not responsible for injuries, medical expenses, or damages during course of field trips. Cancellation Policy Applies—may be found on www.stxbot.org, Birding & Nature Resources; or call 361.852.2100.]

[TRIP D] AUSTRORIPARIAN ‘BIG THICKET’ NATURAL HISTORY SAFARI “Land of Ghost Lights”, Big Thicket and Upper Texas Coast—Emphasizing Birds of Austroriparian

CLASS—Friday, March 31, 2017, 6:15-9:15 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station. TRIP—Monday-Saturday, April 17-22, including travel days. COST: $625 Members, $675 Members. (Based on 8-person minimum, 12 maximum.)

GENE’S TRIP SUMMARY: “This region is like nowhere else in the world! Weather is temperate with mild winters, and considerable annual rain. The Mississippi River accesses the Gulf of Mexico here and bayous are abundant. A portion of the Austroriparian in Texas is known as the Big Thicket, an amazing place where five major North American Biomes come together, known as an ecotone. The Region features cypress, tupelo and bay gall swamps, southern evergreen forests, deciduous forests, savannahs, and Georgia cane (Phragmites). Flora and fauna of this Province is especially unique, and many plants and animals have acquired interesting specialized adaptations—with more than five species of carnivorous plants there! There are many animals of special interest, one of many is the mud snake, a beautiful black and scarlet nocturnal creature, liking muddy sites. Plants I like are pitcher plants, ladies slippers, huge Magnolias. Smoke and dogwood trees are magnificent.”

“For North America, the Austroriparian Big Thicket area contains more species of trees and shrubs than anywhere of comparable size. Historically dominated by large trees, it supports a considerable diversity of woodpeckers and other forest-dependent bird species. At least eight species of woodpeckers, including second largest North American woodpecker, the ivory-billed—now extinct because of lumbering practices of the last century. Other birds of special interest we will be looking for are: fulvous whistling-duck, wood duck, American and least bitterns, glossy ibis, swallow-tailed kite, rails; purple gallinule; red-headed, red-bellied, red-cockaded (endangered), hairy and down woodpeckers; flycatchers, yellow-throated vireo (they breed there), blue jay, American crow, fish crow, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted and brown-headed nuthatches, wrens, migrating thrushes; wood thrush; brown thrasher, migrating wood warblers; breeding prairie warblers; Botteri’s sparrow, Bobolink and boat-tailed grackle.”

[TRIP E] NAVAHONIAN REGION STUDY, north of El Paso in North Central New Mexico, including Cloudcroft, Alamogordo. CLASS—April 2, 6:15-9:15 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station. TRIP—April 15-22, including travel days. (Minimum 6 persons, maximum 12) Details TBA.

[TRIP F] TAMAULIPAN REGION STUDY, Rio Grande Valley and Laredo. CLASS—October 29, 6:15-9:15 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station. TRIP—November 11-17, including travel days. (Minimum 6 persons, maximum 12) Details TBA.

7 GROW YOUR OWN SALAD IN A POT Saturday, February 20, 2-3 pm. Nueces Master Gardener Emeritus Helen Orsak leads a kids’ interactive workshop on nutrition, and how to grow their own salad garden in a five-gallon bucket, which each participant will get to take home and nurture. Class fee $3 plus general admission. Members FREE! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

KIDS DISCOVER REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS OF SOUTH TEXAS Saturday, March 12, 3-4 pm. Texas Master Naturalist Chad Huckabee teaches kids about habits and habitats of frogs, toads, iguanas, turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes and other creatures, ones you may—or may NOT—want to have as pets! Class fee included in general admission. Members FREE! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by adult.

CREATE A FAIRY GARDEN! Saturday, March 19, 3-4 pm. Learn about plants, containers and accessories to create your own miniature container garden, perfect for fairies, gnomes and other tiny garden guests from STBGNC Horticulturist Carol Krank. Materials available for purchase separately for a hands-on workshop to follow. Class fee included in general admission. Members FREE! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. BLACKLOCKS’ KIDS’ BASIC BIRDING CAMP 2016 Wednesday-Friday, July 6-8, 9 am-1 pm AGES 8-13 Campers learn basic bird identification techniques and bird biology using fun games and challenges, with entertaining birder, author and naturalist Gene Blacklock, and other guest speakers. $75 per child members; $90 non-members. PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED KIDS NATURE CAMPS 2016 Monday through Friday. 8:45 am to noon. Tuition: $75 members, $90 non-members. REGISTRATION MUST BE PREPAID!

AGES 5-7 AGES 8-12 June 13-17 Birds & Reptiles July 11-15 Birds & Reptiles June 20-24 Recycle/Repurpose July 18-22 Recycle/Repurpose June 27-July 1 Nature Rangers July 25-29 Nature Rangers

The Botanical Gardens encompasses a unique mix of flower gardens/floral exhibits and plant collections; plus vast acreage of native habitat and natural wetlands, which children love to learn about and explore. This summer, let the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center gift your child with a visual love of nature; understanding of our natural resources; conservation of our fragile environment; plus positive insights into stewardship of native habitats, bird and wildlife, and natural wetlands of this unique South Texas ecosystem. All sessions include adult instructors, door and outdoor studies and activities and take-home nature-related craft projects. Each day, campers will need sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. Camp sessions are taught by former Middle-School and High School teacher Sandy Anderson, with three adult volunteers helping. 2016 is her third camp year at the Botanical Gardens.

DISCOVERING REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS OF SOUTH TEXAS Saturday, September 3, 10-11 & 3-4 pm. Texas Master Naturalist Chad Huckabee teaches kids from three to 93 about habits and habitats of frogs, toads, iguanas, turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes and other creatures, ones you may—or may NOT—want to have as pets! A great Labor Day weekend learning activity. Class fee included in general admission. Members FREE! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

CREATE A FAIRY GARDEN! Saturday October 8, 3-4 pm. Learn about plants, containers and accessories to create your own miniature container garden, perfect for fairies, gnomes and other tiny garden guests from STBGNC Horticulturist Carol Krank. Materials available for purchase separately for a hands-on workshop to follow. Class fee included in general admission. Members FREE! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Jason’s Deli is sponsor of the 2016 Education Calendar!

Kids Summer Nature Camp sponsored by:

NAVYARMY COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

KIDS’ STUFF