Ernesto Garcia-Ortega is a wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. He has worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife since 2017.✨ Join Ernesto Garcia-Ortega for an interactive and engaging presentation where participants will learn the Spanish names for common flora and fauna found in the region. 🐦🌳 While prior knowledge of Spanish is helpful, it is not required, this program is designed to welcome learners of all levels. #spanish #language #exploremcallen #learn #quintamazatlan #southtexasecology

Join us tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. We will be taking a walk around the park and observing plants in bloom and the animals that call Quinta Mazatlan home - binoculars are available to borrow if needed. Program included with park admission.

South Texas is a region rich in both biodiversity and cultural heritage, and language plays a powerful role in how we experience and understand the natural world. ✨ Join Ernesto Garcia-Ortega for an interactive and engaging presentation where participants will learn the Spanish names for common trees, plants, flowers, animals, birds, and insects found in the region.🐦🌳🌵 #naturalists #exploremcallen #southtexasecology #quintamazatlan

Shoutout to Jaime Villanueva for 10 years with the City of McAllen! Jaime brings an amazing work ethic, a positive spirit, and always keeps us smiling with his surprise bird calls.🐦#cityofmcallen #quintamazatlan

Join a guide on the trails to explore the treasures of taxonomy, today at STEM Stops! 🧬🐯✨#southtexasecology #STEM #saturdayfun #quintamazatlan

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Be apart of a special evening celebrating conservation leadership in Texas, marking the first Texas premire of Jennifer Bristol's newly released book "Wild Women For Good: Stories of Conservation in Texas," Thursday February 12 beginning at 6:00pm. ✨📙🌲The evening panel will feature Author, Jennifer Bristol, among other women in conservation such as State Leader in Land Protection, Valerie Bristol, Park Superintendent of Stephen F. Austin State Park, Martha Martinez, Green Schoolyard Coordinator with Texas Children in Nature Network, Quinta Mazatlan's very own Executive Director, Colleen Hook, and other prominent voices to the conservation movement. 🐦Tickets $5 at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com 🍷 nopalito.us serving wild wines, lager and ales ☕️ kreativegroundscafe offering coffee, teas and treats #exploremcallen #mcallenevents #womeninconservation #bookrelease #supportlocal #quintamazatlan

ZEISS

For birders exploring wide, open landscapes, ZEISS SFL binoculars are the ultimate companion – combining brilliant clarity, perfect magnification, lightweight design, and all-day comfort. Learn more at Wild Birds Unlimited Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #ZEISS #ZEISSNature #birdwatching

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Did You Know? - Animals are multicellular organisms, placing them under the taxanomic domain Eukarya! 🦠Join us at Saturydays' STEM Stops where we're exploring the Kingdom of Animalia and how taxonomy works, on the trails with a guided scavanger hunt!🔎🦊🐗🦉 #STEM #taxonomy #animaliakingdom #southtexasecology #exploremcallen

Camryn Kiel is a Wildlife Scientist Specializing in Birds & Herpetofauna! 🐢🌵This Thursday Camryn will be presenting on her recent graduate research conducted from 2022 to 2024, during which she equipped Texas tortoises with tracking devices and temperature loggers to better understand their movement patterns, habitat selection, and thermal ecology. Join Camryn at 6:00pm, January 29th to learn more about the South Texas native, Texas Tortoise! #exploremcallen #quitnamazatlan #southtexasecology #thursdaynightlive #texastortoise

Join us tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. We will be taking a walk around the park and observing plants in bloom and the animals that call Quinta Mazatlan home - binoculars are available to borrow if needed. Program included with park admission.

We hope y’all are staying warm and cozy during this cold snap! ❄️🔥 If you already feed birds—or you’ve been on the fence—this kind of weather is a great time to help out your backyard birds 🐦 with some extra protein and fat. They rely on those nutrients to help regulate their body temperature 🌡️ and make it through the cold. Any bird seed helps, but blends with extra peanuts and tree nuts are especially beneficial right now. 🥜 You can also go the suet route with suet blocks or bark butter for an easy, high-energy option! 🔋🦉 Happy birding from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 🩵🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

The Texas tortoise is the only native tortoise species in the state, uniquely adapted to the Tamaulipan Thornscrub! 🐢Learn more about the ecology, threats and ongoing challenges of this special South Texas native with Wildlife Scientist, Camryn Kiel, Thursday January 29! #southtexasecology #texastortoise #exploremcallen #quintamazatlan

We are excited to welcome some of the best in the RGV to our Thursday Night Live Speaker Series this season! From presentations on the Texas Tortoise🐢 to a panel discussion with Women in Conservation,🌎 there is much to explore!💫🔎 #mcallenevents #exploremcallen #quintamazatlan #ecology #culture #art Want to participate in next seasons series or know someone who is knowledgeable and passionate in the fields of ecology, culture or art?✨ Send an email to tzavala@mcallen.net ✨We'd love to hear what you can share with community!

Join a QM naturalist on a guided winter flower exploration at this Saturday's STEM Stops, learning about the arrangement of flower parts, why flower shape matters, and the colors and patterns only bees can see! 🌸🐝#STEM #southtexasecology #plantmorphology #plantnative #exploremcallen #quintamazatlan

🌿🐦 Turn Your Yard Into a Bird Paradise! 🐦🌿 Join WBU McAllen staff for a fun talk on how Rio Grande Valley bird lovers can create yards that delight both humans and birds! Learn how native plants and the right feeders can attract our Valley’s amazing birds—while making gardening easier for you 🌸🌞. In this talk, we’ll cover: • 🌱 Unique elements of our Valley habitat • 🍽️ Best foods & feeders to attract a variety of birds • 🌳 How to landscape & garden with birds and wildlife in mind ✨ BONUS: Stay after for our Native Plant Sale from 3–6 p.m. (while supplies last!) Meet Your WBU Experts: Wild Birds Unlimited McAllen is locally owned and staffed by bird lovers just like you! 🐤 Our WBU Certified Birdfeeding Specialists™ will give tips to make your yard a haven for song, color, and life 🌈. 📸 Special Bonus: Bring photos of your yard and our team will help you create a bird-friendly space! Happy birding from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

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Did You Know? - A few native plants have reached peak blooming and flowering this season! Join a guide on a native flower walk exploring colors, structures, and evolution of the winter flowers! 🌼🌸🪻 This experience is always FREE with general park admission. #STEM #southtexasecology #exploremcallen #quintamazatlan #naturebasededucaiton

Whew—we’re finally caught up! 😅 It’s tough having so many wonderful events to recap 😉 Last Saturday was full of goodness. We kicked things off with a guided bird walk Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center led by naturalist Will Farley 🐦🌿 Big thanks to Will and to everyone who came out on a chilly morning! That afternoon, local artists Ruth Hoyt and Jessica Monroe Art joined us for a thoughtful conversation about their artistic practices and learning from nature. 🎨✨ We’re taking a tiny break from guided walks tomorrow, but we do have a talk and a native plant sale going on! 🌱Join us for "Inviting Birds to Your Backyard" tomorrow from 2-3 pm. Join us next week at Estero Llano Grande State Park for a guided walk, followed by an in-store talk on Purple Martins by Veronica Guzman 🐦💜 Happy birding from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

ZEISS

Did you know that some birds start nesting even in winter? The great horned owl is one of the earliest! In the southern US, they nest as early as November, and in the Midwest, they can begin by mid-January.❄️ With an incubation of about a month, their young will fledge just in time for the peak of prey availability. Nature’s timing is truly amazing! Keep an eye out for these resilient owls this winter! 🌌💚 📸Photo 73383364 © Rebecca Warren Dreamstime.com Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #ZEISS #ZEISSNature #birdwatching

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Join us Saturday morning from 10am-12pm for a Bioblitz Morning at the Ware Road Tiny Forest. We will be walking the trail and making observations using iNaturalist- from insects, to birds, to early spring bloomers- as well as picking up any trash and pulling weeds. Parking will be at Elk's Lodge.

Another #latergram from one of our fun-filled Saturdays! 🌿✨ Janet Schofield treated us to a private tour of three local community parks where the Master Gardeners are adding native plants, thanks to a grant and community support 🌱 We saw so many beautiful natives in action—including thriving Frogfruit and flowering Heart-leaf Hibiscus 🌸 Hidalgo County Master Gardener Association Cameron County Master Gardeners Later that day, Janet gave an inspiring talk on how to establish a forest garden in your own yard 🌳 The goal? Use all the layers of the forest to produce food for both people and wildlife 🐝🦋 We made sure to have native plants for sale that matched her recommendations 🌾🪴, and it was wonderful seeing everyone so engaged! Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun! 😊 Happy birding from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

We've had our differences, but maybe it's time to call a truce, even if it's just for one day. January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and while they can be a menace, they're also pretty darn adorable and fun to watch. So enjoy your day, squirrels, because the truce ends on January 22. Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

Mario Fierro, MPA, serves as Program Coordinator with the UTRGV Agroecology Program, where he leads community-based education on sustainable farming and conservation practices across Hidalgo and Cameron counties. This Thursday he'll be at Quinta Mazatlán giving a presentation on practical water conservation strategies used at the university farm and backyard scale.💧🌱#waterconservation #UTRGV #quintamazatlan #exploremcallen This program is FREE with general admission.

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Join us tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. We will be taking a walk around the park and observing plants in bloom and the animals that call Quinta Mazatlan home - binoculars are available to borrow if needed. Program included with park admission.

#ThrowbackTuesday 😅 We’ve been so busy with events, it’s been hard to keep up with posting photos—but we couldn’t skip sharing this one! First up, our phenomenal honey tasting earlier this month with the one and only R9 Hive & Honey, LLC 🍯 We had an absolute blast, and so many folks stopped by. Thanks to everyone who came out! Missed the tasting? No worries—we still have some very tasty honey available for sale! Happy birding from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

Calling all library explorers! Join edinburgwbc for an exciting show-and-tell @ Palm View Branch Library on Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30AM. Afterwards, families can create a bird feeder to help support bird welfare during the colder season. Open to children of all ages & families.

Calling all library explorers! Join Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center for an exciting show-and-tell @ Palm View Branch Library on Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30AM. Afterwards, families can create a bird feeder to help support bird welfare during the colder season. Open to children of all ages & families.

ZEISS

The love of nature, combined with frosty winter temperatures, means we need to be prepared for the chill, the low light, and the big flocks. That's why we're bringing glove-friendly gear and bright optics. Because your kit should work as hard (if not harder) than you do! Shop now at Wild Birds Unlimited Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #ZEISS #ZEISSNature #birdwatching

Explore practical water conservation strategies used at the university farm and backyard scale with Mario Fierro — including rainwater harvesting, cover cropping, and efficient irrigation methods.🌱 💧Participants will learn how these practices protect soil, conserve limited water resources, and strengthen community resilience in the Rio Grande Valley. 💪✅#waterconservation #utrgv #quintamazatlan #riograndevalley

Join us as we explore what makes nutrient rich soil and investigate the different soil types of the Rio Grande Valley, today at STEM Stops! 🌱#STEM #soilecology #quintamazatlan #naturebasededucation

We're expecting beautiful weather this Saturday, making for a wonderful excuse to hit the trails and go birding! 🐦✨From Clay-colored Thrush to the Thorn brush's beloved Chachalacas there's plenty of RGV specialty birds to see and learn about!🌵🪶 Join highly experienced guide Isidro Montemayor this Saturday, January 17th at 8:30am for a walk with our avian friends. #rgvbirding #southtexasbirds #birdingforbeginners #exploremcallen #quintamazatlan

We're expecting beautiful weather this Saturday, making for a wonderful excuse to hit the trails and go birding! 🐦✨From Clay-colored Thrush to the Thorn brush's beloved Chachalacas there's plenty of RGV specialty birds to see and learn about!🌵🪶 Join highly experienced guide Isidro Montemayor this Saturday, January 17th at 8:30am for a walk with our avian friends. #rgvbirding #southtexasbirds #birdingforbeginners #exploremcallen #quintamazatlan

Growing wildflowers is a great way to add color to your garden. They attract butterflies and other pollinators, and take less regular care than a lawn! Participants will learn about how to prepare and plant a wildflower patch, and will get to take home wildflower seeds too!

Growing wildflowers is a great way to add color to your garden. They attract butterflies and other pollinators, and take less regular care than a lawn! Participants will learn about how to prepare and plant a wildflower patch, and will get to take home wildflower seeds too!

Join us tonight for Dusty Old Botanical Tomes with Christina Mild, board member of the Native Plant Project (@plantsofdeepsouthtx) and editor of The Sabal newsletter. 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM 🎟️ Free with general admission Join us for an evening of plants, history, and stories from decades of fieldwork and historic botany books We hope to see you there! #southtexasecology #rgvbotany #plantnative #quintamazatlan

Join us tonight for Dusty Old Botanical Tomes with Christina Mild, board member of the Native Plant Project (plantsofdeepsouthtx) and editor of The Sabal newsletter. 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM 🎟️ Free with general admission Enjoy an evening of plants, history, and stories from decades of fieldwork and historic botany books We hope to see you there! #southtexasecology #rgvbotany #plantnative #quintamazatlan

In “Dusty Old Botanical Tomes,” Christina Mild shares entertaining stories from her decades of fieldwork, research, and unexpected discoveries in old botany books—revealing why historical documentation remains essential to understanding the Rio Grande Valley’s past and present environment. 🌾📖 Join Mild Thursday, January 15th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, FREE with general admission. #southtexasecology #rgvbotany #plantnative #quintamazatlan #exploremcallen

In “Dusty Old Botanical Tomes,” Christina Mild shares entertaining stories from her decades of fieldwork, research, and unexpected discoveries in old botany books—revealing why historical documentation remains essential to understanding the Rio Grande Valley’s past and present environment. 🌾📖 Join Mild Thursday, January 15th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, FREE with general admission. #southtexasecology #rgvbotany #plantnative #quintamazatlan #exploremcallen

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Join us tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. We will be taking a walk around the park and observing the animals that call Quinta Mazatlan home - we have binoculars available to borrow if needed. Program included with park admission.

Join us tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. We will be taking a walk around the park and observing the animals that call Quinta Mazatlan home - we have binoculars available to borrow if needed. Program included with park admission.

Events happening this week at Quinta Mazatlan! • Walk with a Naturalist - Wednesday • Forest Tots - Thursday • Valley's Natural History - Thursday • Birding for Beginners - Saturday • Tai Chi Practice - Saturday • Growing Wildflowers Workshop - Saturday • Stewardship Saturday - Saturday • STEM Stop - Saturday

Events happening this week at Quinta Mazatlan! • Walk with a Naturalist - Wednesday • Forest Tots - Thursday • Valley's Natural History - Thursday • Birding for Beginners - Saturday • Tai Chi Practice - Saturday • Growing Wildflowers Workshop - Saturday • Stewardship Saturday - Saturday • STEM Stop - Saturday

Thank you, Bernie Casas, for 20+ years of service to the City of McAllen. Your leadership leaves a lasting legacy as the Father of the Forest at Quinta Mazatlán. Best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement! Honoring Bernie Casas, the Father of the Forest, for his leadership and care of Quinta Mazatlan since opening in 2006, at his 2026 outdoor retirement celebration. “We will miss you Bernie-please come visit!”

Thank you, Bernie Casas, for 20+ years of service to the City of McAllen. Your leadership leaves a lasting legacy as the Father of the Forest at Quinta Mazatlán. Best wishes for a happy, healthy retirement!

ZEISS

Interested in bird watching, or simply looking for other ways to get involved in nature in 2026? Here are five tips and tricks 💙 🗣️ Experienced birders - share your favorite ways to get involved in birding in the comments! Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #ZEISSNature #Birding #GetIntoBirding

Travel back through time and explore the roots of South Texas natural history, Thursday January 15th, with stories from decades of field work, research and unexpected discoveries with Naturalist and Writer, Christina Mild!🌺🌾🌵 From early hands-on work at Valley Nature Center to studying historic botanical records introduced by local naturalist Bill MacWhorter, Mild later audited botany courses at UTRGV under Dr. Alfred Richardson and Dr. Robert Lonard, exploring rare and often overlooked botanical publications across South Texas libraries.📖🌱 This program is FREE with General Admission.

Travel back through time and explore the roots of South Texas natural history, Thursday January 15th, with stories from decades of field work, research and unexpected discoveries with Naturalist and Writer, Christina Mild!🌺🌾🌵 From early hands-on work at Valley Nature Center to studying historic botanical records introduced by local naturalist Bill MacWhorter, Mild later audited botany courses at UTRGV under Dr. Alfred Richardson and Dr. Robert Lonard, exploring rare and often overlooked botanical publications across South Texas libraries.📖🌱 This program is FREE with General Admission.

Singing high in the canopy are small song-birds like Titmouse, Vireo, Warblers and Kinglets! What wintering residents might you find amongst these “mixed-species flocks?”🎶👂🐦Find out at this Saturday's STEM Stops! #STEM #birding #soundmapping #naturebasedlearning #southtexasecology

Singing high in the canopy are small song-birds like Titmouse, Vireo, Warblers and Kinglets! What wintering residents might you find amongst these “mixed-species flocks?”🎶👂🐦Find out at this Saturday's STEM Stops! #STEM #birding #soundmapping #naturebasedlearning #southtexasecology

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DID YOU KNOW? - Many songbirds migrate south for winter!✨🌲 Learn the songbird species whose music fills the winter season, from RGV Specialty birds to winter visitors, this Saturday at STEM Stops. 🐦Whit-wheet!🐦See you soon! #STEM #rgvbirding #winterbirding #southtexasecology #songbirds

DID YOU KNOW? - Many songbirds migrate south for winter!✨🌲 Learn the songbird species whose music fills the winter season, from RGV Specialty birds to winter visitors, this Saturday at STEM Stops. 🐦Whit-wheet!🐦See you soon! #STEM #rgvbirding #winterbirding #southtexasecology #songbirds

Out with the old, in with the new! Winter is a great time of year to prune your plants. Join one of our native plant practitioners this Saturday from 8:30-9:30 to learn about proper pruning techniques of native plants. Free with park admission.

Out with the old, in with the new! Winter is a great time of year to prune your plants. Join one of our native plant practitioners this Saturday from 8:30-9:30 to learn about proper pruning techniques of native plants. Free with park admission.

This evening at 6:00pm, we are thrilled to welcome Mike Heep, long-time native plant grower of the RGV to share the rich botanical history of south Texas!🌱💚 Heep will highlight several species connected to the work of Robert Runyon, American photographer, botanist, and Brownsville mayor, weaving together ecological insight, historical context, and personal anecdotes gathered from decades of studying and growing native plants. #southtexasecology #plantnative #southtexashistory #thursdaynightlive #quintamazatlan

This evening at 6:00pm, we are thrilled to welcome Mike Heep, long-time native plant grower of the RGV to share the rich botanical history of south Texas!🌱💚 Heep will highlight several species connected to the work of Robert Runyon, American photographer, botanist, and Brownsville mayor, weaving together ecological insight, historical context, and personal anecdotes gathered from decades of studying and growing native plants. #southtexasecology #plantnative #southtexashistory #thursdaynightlive #quintamazatlan

You don't need to be a twitcher to tick RGV specialty birds or seasonal rarities off your list! 🐦🗒️Don't have a list? Plan a visit to our park, McAllen's wing of the World Birding Center, for guided morning birding tours this January. #birding #rgvbirding #southtexasbirds #exploremcallen #mcallenevents

You don't need to be a twitcher to tick RGV specialty birds or seasonal rarities off your list! 🐦🗒️Don't have a list? Plan a visit to our park, McAllen's wing of the World Birding Center, for guided morning birding tours this January. #birding #rgvbirding #southtexasbirds #exploremcallen #mcallenevents

Forest Tots is back for the Winter and Spring seasons where child-led learning happens through story, sensory play, nature art and walks through the forest. Classes begin this Thursday, January 8th, 10:00am - 11:30am! ✨🌵 Bring your little explorer to develop a lasting and caring relationship with the more-than-human world by exploring plant and wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley. 🐜🐌🐦 This program is $5 per participating child. Upcoming Classes: ☁ January 8th - Winter Sky 🌼January 15 - January Flowers 🍄January 22 - What's Not to Like about Lichen? 🦊January 29 - Nocturnal Animals #exploremcallen #naturebasededucation #texaschildrenandnature #naturepedagogy #quintamazatlan

Forest Tots is back for the Winter and Spring seasons where child-led learning happens through story, sensory play, nature art and walks through the forest. Classes begin this Thursday, January 8th, 10:00am - 11:30am! ✨🌵 Bring your little explorer to develop a lasting and caring relationship with the more-than-human world by exploring plant and wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley. 🐜🐌🐦 This program is $5 per participating child. Upcoming Classes: ☁ January 8th - Winter Sky 🌼January 15 - January Flowers 🍄January 22 - What's Not to Like about Lichen? 🦊January 29 - Nocturnal Animals #exploremcallen #naturebasededucation #texaschildrenandnature #naturepedagogy #quintamazatlan

January averages as our coolest and driest month of the year. Still, there are some native plants in bloom or fruit such as the Googly-eyed Vine, which provides unique-looking fruit for birds. There are also winter residents, such as the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a woodpecker that laps up tree sap and any trapped insects with its special brush-tipped tongue. Learn more about the plant and animal activity during this time of year tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. Included with park admission.

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January averages as our coolest and driest month of the year. Still, there are some native plants in bloom or fruit such as the Googly-eyed Vine, which provides unique-looking fruit for birds. There are also winter residents, such as the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a woodpecker that laps up tree sap and any trapped insects with its special brush-tipped tongue. Learn more about the plant and animal activity during this time of year tomorrow for our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program, offered Wednesdays from 9 AM - 10 AM. Included with park admission.

You're invited to discover the rich botanical history of the Rio Grande Valley during a special Thursday Night Live presentation, “Robert Runyon Plants,” with longtime native plant grower Mike Heep! ✨🌼 🌿Robert Runyon (1881–1968) was an American photographer, botanist, and Brownsville mayor whose plant discoveries and extensive private herbarium helped shape our modern understanding of South Texas flora. In this talk, Heep will highlight several species connected to Runyon’s work, weaving together ecological insight, historical context, and personal anecdotes gathered from decades of studying and growing native plants. 🌿Mike Heep has been at the forefront of native plant conservation in the Rio Grande Valley since the 1980s. Through his family nursery in Harlingen, he has propagated countless native species now found in gardens, parks, and natural areas throughout South Texas. #southtexasecology #plantnative #plantlive #rgvhistory #quintamazatlan #exploremcallen

You're invited to discover the rich botanical history of the Rio Grande Valley during a special Thursday Night Live presentation, “Robert Runyon Plants,” with longtime native plant grower Mike Heep! ✨🌼 🌿Robert Runyon (1881–1968) was an American photographer, botanist, and Brownsville mayor whose plant discoveries and extensive private herbarium helped shape our modern understanding of South Texas flora. In this talk, Heep will highlight several species connected to Runyon’s work, weaving together ecological insight, historical context, and personal anecdotes gathered from decades of studying and growing native plants. 🌿Mike Heep has been at the forefront of native plant conservation in the Rio Grande Valley since the 1980s. Through his family nursery in Harlingen, he has propagated countless native species now found in gardens, parks, and natural areas throughout South Texas. #southtexasecology #plantnative #plantlive #rgvhistory #quintamazatlan #exploremcallen

🐦 Happy National Bird Day! It’s always bird day at WBU! National Bird Day was created by the Avian Welfare Coalition in 2002 to promote the health and well-being of birds everywhere. We hope you get to spend some time today admiring our feathered friends—even the common birds that are often overlooked. 💚 Happy birding and Happy New Year, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

🌿 New arrivals! 🌿 These beautiful RGV specialty bird bracelets from Embrace Our Souls celebrate some of our most beloved birds 🐦 Each bracelet features a thoughtful design and a special message connected to that bird. These are only in our stores—nowhere else! A perfect mix of beauty and meaning. ✨ Happy birding and Happy New Year, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

How do plants and animals respond to shorter days and colder temperatures?🦊🦉🐰 Discover what causes winter and more, with us at today's STEM Stops! #STEM #quintamazatlan #stewardshipsaturdays #southtexasecology #winterseason

How do plants and animals respond to shorter days and colder temperatures?🦊🦉🐰 Discover what causes winter and more, with us at today's STEM Stops! #STEM #quintamazatlan #stewardshipsaturdays #southtexasecology #winterseason

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Did You Know? - The Winter Solstice brings the shortest day and longest night of the year, welcoming a shift into a new season. 🍂🌲✨Join a QM Naturalist to explore what causes Winter and how the season is experienced through a wildlife lens. #STEM #exploremcallen #southtexasecology #quintamazatlan #winterwildlife

Did You Know? - The Winter Solstice brings the shortest day and longest night of the year, welcoming a shift into a new season. 🍂🌲✨Join a QM Naturalist to explore what causes Winter and how the season is experienced through a wildlife lens. #STEM #exploremcallen #southtexasecology #quintamazatlan #winterwildlife

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What was your first bird species of the year? One of our staff members saw a Great-Tailed Grackle - what does that say about her year to come? 😅 We're celebrating 45 years of WBU with a promotion - $10 off $60! This promotion is valid online with the code: 10OFF60. Happy birding and Happy New Year, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💚 🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

The new year is a great time to pick up new hobbies like birding! Join us this Saturday, January 3 from 8:30-9:30 for a guided bird walk in the park - we have binoculars available to borrow if needed. We'll search for Green Jays, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, and more of the birds that make the RGV such a special place for birdwatching.

The new year is a great time to pick up new hobbies like birding! Join us this Saturday, January 3 from 8:30-9:30 for a guided bird walk in the park - we have binoculars available to borrow if needed. We'll search for Green Jays, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, and more of the birds that make the RGV such a special place for birdwatching.

Looking for an afternoon of family fun? ✨🌿Join a QM Naturalist for a guided sensory exploration on Thursday January 2, uncovering the science of plants scents! Participants will leave well acquainted with winter flowering plants and a hand-made bracelet carrying scents of the scrub! #exploremcallen #thornscrub #plantnative #plantscience FREE with General Admission

Looking for an afternoon of family fun? ✨🌿Join a QM Naturalist for a guided sensory exploration, on Thursday January 2, uncovering the science of plants scents! Participants will leave well acquainted with winter flowering plants and a hand-made bracelet carrying scents of the scrub! #exploremcallen #thornscrub #plantnative #plantscience FREE with General Admission