Volume 15 Issue 2
Fall/Winter 2018
Kingfisher Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center Programs & Events
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CENTER NEWS
Vol. 15, Issue 2
Message from the Manager It is hard to imagine that a little over 15 years ago, the main grounds of EWBC were a barren former farm field. Today, with lush vegetation at every turn, shady paths and a plethora of blooms, the grounds have become an oasis for humans and wildlife alike. This tiny 3.5 acre pocket of native landscape provides a home for wildlife and an invaluable respite and recreational spot for our visitors. However, the nature experience does not have to end when you leave our park. Every home, school and business with access to a small patch of dirt can grow a native plant in their very own outdoor landscape. From small ground covers to large shade trees, everyone can bring a little nature home. ~ Marisa Oliva ~
If incorporating wildlife friendly plants in your living or work environment is something you are ready to embrace, EWBC is here to help. Not only are we offering wonderful plant based programs such as the “Kid’s Gardening Program,” “Pumpkin Planter” and a Tour of Rancho Lomitas, but we also offer educator workshops, tours and outreach opportunities on a variety of topics, including native plants and landscape design. In addition, EWBC is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Learning Landscapes to help schools incorporate outdoor learning environments. Planting season is here. What better way to begin than to start with a native plant.
Nature Notes: 2018 Purple Martin Nesting Season In February 2015, the EWBC installed a Purple Martin house near the front entrance. Desiring to provide refuge for a species that has become dependent on human supplied nesting cavities, we hoped that the Purple Martins would roost that spring season. It was not to be. Each spring we held our breaths, waiting for the martins to settle in. However, it was not until this past spring that the EWBC welcomed its first nestlings. Every Tuesday and Saturday from April through July, the house was lowered to conduct nest checks as part of Project Martin Watch. Staff monitored the nests, counting the number of eggs that were laid or hatched, and the number of young that fledged from the nest. The data collected is included in a nation-wide survey of purple martin nests. In this first year, the EWBC had six nesting pairs which fledged 23 Purple Martin young. We look forward to the birds’ return in February and another successful nesting season in 2019!
Creature Feature: Huisache Girdler (Oncideres pustulata) If you notice your tree seems to have been trimmed and you find branches littered along the garden, take a close look and you may find that the Huisache Girdler (Oncideres pustulatus) has been giving your trees a trim. Huisache Girdlers are 11/16 to 1-1/8 inches long, and are brown with a light brown band going across the wing covers. Their body is also peppered with small shiny black dots. They have a long antennae, and are in the long-horned beetle family, Cerembycidae. The adults appear from late August to October, across South Texas and the Gulf Coast Prairie. Females select a small living branch on a deciduous tree and chew a groove around the circumference. Being careful to not sever the branch, she walks its length, makes a small cut in the branch, and lays her eggs. Eventually, the limb falls from the tree, and the larvae emerges. Normally, the process is not harmful to healthy trees, so go out and explore your gardens, or here at the EWBC, and search for these fascinating insect landscapers.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Vote for your favorite scarecrow!
See how microscopes make the ordinary look extraordinary!
December 26 - 28 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday: Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday, January 5 2 - 4 p.m.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
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Orienteering Scavenger Hunt Learn about cardinal points and navigate your way through our gardens by using a compass in this fun and challenging program. We'll search for various items, all while learning about navigation and using compasses to help guide our way. RR.
Date: Time: Fee:
Saturday, September 15 9 - 10:30 a.m. Regular admission, members free
Creative Creatures Nature is full of interesting creatures. Learn how animals’ unique characteristics help them to survive, and then join us on an exploratory walk of the grounds in search of these creatures. Afterward, get creative and make your own curious creature to take home with you. RR.
Date: Saturday, September 22 Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Fee: $2 members, $4 non-members
Beginner Fishing Workshops
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Boy Scout Bird Study Merit Badge Scouts, learn the basics of birding, like how to use binoculars and field guides, and discover local birds as you fulfill the requirements for your Bird Study Merit Badge. Badges are not included, but scouts will receive a certificate of completion. Scouts must be accompanied by a guardian. Registration and payment required by October 11.
Date: Time: Fee:
Saturday, October 13 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $6 per scout
Pumpkin Planter Give your Halloween decorations a final touch by adding a pumpkin planter containing beautiful plants. Create a pumpkin planter that is sure to add a spooky, yet beautiful, spark to your decorations just in time for Halloween. Bring your pumpkin and we'll supply the rest. Registration is required by October 11.
Date: Saturday, October 13 Time: 2 –3:30 p.m. Fee: $6 per pumpkin planter
Butterfly Baiting
Beginning anglers ages 7 and up will enjoy this fun, handson training course. Learn basic fishing skills, master fishing knots, and practice casting with a spin-cast rod-and-reel. Learn to identify various game fish as well as which baits and lures to use. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Basic Angler Certification and fish recognition pin. Registration is required at least one week prior to course.
and identify. RR.
Date: Time: Fee:
Date: Saturday, November 3 Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 - 4 p.m. Fee: Regular admission, members free
Saturdays, September 29 and February 16 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free
Fall is a spectacular season for butterfly viewing in the RGV. Learn how to view butterflies up close without causing them harm with a simple technique and then walk the gardens to see how many species you can find
FAMILY PROGRAMS
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Where in the Wetlands Wetlands are rich with wildlife. Bring your family for a fun and friendly scavenger hunt competition to see what kinds of wildlife you can find at the EWBC. The winning family will receive a small prize. RR.
Date: Saturday, November 17 Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Fee: Regular admission, members free
Nutty about Knots The craft of knot tying is an essential outdoor skill and fun to learn. Come and learn a range of knots for different outdoor uses and try tying them. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Registration is required by November 14.
Date: Saturday, November 17 Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members
Recycled Ornament Craft Day Any time of the year is the time for recycling. Instead of buying new ornaments and decorations this holiday season, make fun and creative ornaments out of recycled and natural materials. RR.
Date: Saturday, December 8 Time: 2 - 4 p.m. Fee: $2 members, $4 non-members
A source for outdoor happenings in the RGV
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DIY Birdseed Ornaments Add some holiday cheer to your yard with a beautiful cookie cutter bird feeder ornament created by you. You’ll provide birds with a little snack, and they in turn will add even more beauty to your garden. Attendees will take home their very own bird seed ornament along with the instrument to make more at home. RR.
Date: Saturday, December 15 Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fee: $3 package (for cookie cutter ornament)* $5 package (for bundt mold ornament)* * Price does not include admission fee.
FAMILY & ADULT PROGRAMS
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Scarecrow Trail Hikes Take a walk in the gardens with us as we explore the area at night fall. Help us look for nocturnal critters and take a closer look at the scarecrows that were created for our Scarecrow Trail. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the crisp fall weather while taking advantage of being on the grounds past closing time. RR.
Date: Tuesdays, October 30 and November 6 Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Oct. 30) 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Nov. 6) Fee: Regular admission, members free
Spectacular Saturdays On the last Saturday of the month, our doors will open for FREE to the public. Throughout the day there will be puzzles, crafts, games, or other activities to enjoy. Binoculars, Children’s Garden Play Sets and Junior Ranger Field Pack rentals are available free of charge with a valid ID.
NOTE: Free entry does not include fee for concurring programs and activities.
Dates and Themes September 29 October 27 November 24 December 29 January 26 February 23 Time: Fee:
Outdoor Nature Play* Creature Masks Puzzles and Games Puppet Play Puzzles and Games Outdoor Nature Play*
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. *Outdoor Nature Play from 2 - 4 p.m. Free
RR = Reservations Required Please make reservations at least two days in advance, unless otherwise noted, by calling us at (956) 381-9922. Member price is for EWBC family members only.
Volunteer Day Help us plant gardens for birds, butterflies and bugs, or help with other maintenance projects. Gloves and shovels will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own. Please call Monica at (956) 381-9922 for more information or to sign up.
Date: Saturday, October 6 Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Fee: Free
Ducks and Donuts Join EWBC Naturalist staff at our North Pond Overlook as we snack on some donuts while birding the north pond overlook area. We'll bird, share stories, and keep a list of species we see.
Date: Saturday, December 8 Time: 10 –11:30 a.m. Fee: $3 members, $4 non-members
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ADULT PROGRAMS
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Join EWBC Naturalist Staff on guided bird and butterfly walks. Bird Walks Butterfly Walks
Can’t make the tour date or time? Call to schedule a tour for your group, Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (dependent on Naturalist availability). Tours available in English or Spanish. RR.
Regular admission, members free.
Outdoor Cooking
Adult Birding Series
Join an outdoor cooking enthusiast as he demonstrates the special skills of Dutch Oven cooking. Participants will learn tips and techniques for the maintenance of a Dutch Oven and the different dishes that can be created. Participants will also enjoy some traditional dishes. Registration is required by Nov. 28.
Useful techniques, tips, and identification skills are the focus of this birding series for adults. Led by area experts, the individual sessions will offer something new and interesting for birdwatchers of all skill levels. Whether you attend one session or all of them, your knowledge of the avian world is sure to improve. RR.
Date: Saturday, December 1 Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Fee: $10 members, $12 non-members
Rancho Lomitas Tour Travel with the EWBC staff to the Rio Grande City area and tour the brushland of Rancho Lomitas. Ranch owner and ethnobotanist Benito Trevino will lead the group around the ranch and discuss how native plants have historically helped local people survive our harsh environment. Reservations are required at least two days in advance. Please bring a sack lunch to enjoy at the ranch.
Date: Wednesday, January 16 Time: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fee: $20 members, $25 non-members
Upcoming Programs Jan. 23
Introduction to Bird ID
Feb. 27 Mar. 20
Wetland Birds Wintering Birds in the RGV
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m. Fee: $2 members, $4 non-members
MEMBERSHIPS AND PASSES
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Visit us often? Consider becoming a member of the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. Receive great benefits as you support EWBC educational programs and habitat conservation efforts. The 2018-2019 Membership year runs from June 2018 through July 2019.
Benefits include: 2018-2019 Lesser Goldfinch Patch
Discounts on programs
Free entrance for up to 8 family members
Biannual newsletter mailed to you
10% to 20% discount on most merchandise Free binocular use while on grounds
Artwork courtesy of Stephanie Galla
Cost for Family Membership is $25 per year
The EWBC offers a special pass for Winter Texans (55 years of age and older), good from October 2018 through April 2019. Bene its include: Free entrance for a spouse and up to two guests 10% to 20% discount on most merchandise Our biannual newsletter mailed to you Free binocular use while on grounds Greater Roadrunner Patch
PASS INCLUDES: Access to our grounds for photography sessions anytime during the
membership year (12 months) during regular business hours.
Free entry for the photographer and up to 15 clients per photo session. No limit on number of photo shoots per year. Opportunity of reserving our site for an after-hours photo shoot (Tues-
Sat), up to two hours after closing (dependent on staff availability).
Reservations for photo sessions during regular business hours are recommended two weeks in advance.
OPPORTUNITIES
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Providing education and fun for
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Can’t make it to us? We will come to you and deliver a program to a single class or your whole school!
Pre-K - 12th grades. Topics include: Whose Habitat
Insect Investigations
Soil Sense
Wetland Explorations
Birding Mania
Reptile Mania
And more!
PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Birds/Wildlife of the RGV Native Trees Nature Puppet Shows Wild Watershed Nature Careers Classroom Gardens Minimum fee is $50 for a one hour program. Price will vary depending on program length, supplies needed, and travel distance. Call us today.
Program length & prices vary. Please call us in advance at (956) 381-9922 to schedule your school. *Maximum number of students per trip is 100
The EWBC is seeking energetic, earth loving citizens to help with gardening and construction projects, garden maintenance, events and more. We welcome school clubs or groups, civic groups, and individuals. (Age restrictions may apply.)
Personal satisfaction. Gain valuable skills. Help the environment. Meet new people. Make a difference! CONTACT MONICA FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
Looking for a way to gain real-world experience in the job market? The EWBC offers an internship program for college students and career explorers. Develop your skills in:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Field Guides
LIBERTY GRAPHICS T-Shirts
15% OFF
BUY ONE, GET ONE
50% OFF!
Vol. 15, Issue 2
EWBC Members receive an additional
10% off
most merchandise.
Excludes Member Price. Discount applies to shirts of equal or lesser value.
Have a Host your next business meeting, party, or wedding ceremony at the Edinburg World Birding Center. We have a variety of options available both indoors and out. For more information, visit us at www.EdinburgWBC.org or call (956) 381-9922.
The birthday boy or girl and their guests will be treated to a one hour program of their choice followed by a party in the classroom. Program activities can include nature scavenger hunts, puppet shows, show and tell, nature crafts, and more. To reserve your next birthday bash, call (956) 381-9922.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS The EWBC will be closed for the following staff days and national holidays:
Sept. 3 Nov. 12 Nov. 22-23 Dec. 24-25 Jan. 1 Feb. 9
Labor Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Christmas New Year’s Day Staff Day
EWBC FALL/WINTER HOURS OFFICE: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.) GROUNDS: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.) 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Tues.-Sat) CLOSED SUNDAYS **South Pond Open Sunrise to Sunset**
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Let us help you earn your badges! From outdoor survival skills to conservation, we are flexible in our ability to customize a variety of programs to meet your needs. Call us to schedule your individualized program. Looking to become an
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If you love exploring nature, then this field pack is for you! Go on a wild adventure and discover amazing wildlife around every corner. Packs include ID guides, magnifying lenses, activity sheets, collection trays and more. Rentals are free of charge with a valid ID. Limited to one field pack rental per family.
Eagle Scout? We have many opportunities to complete your service project at the EWBC.
The EWBC, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and the City of Edinburg are pleased to present the
Toddler Play Sets
Gardening Music Makers Fairies & Gnomes Digging & Trucks Kitchen & Cooking Explorers & Dinosaurs
February 7 & 8 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Edinburg Municipal Park Rentals can be checked out in our Gift Shop.
Have a PLAY-DATE at our Children’s Garden while exploring your surroundings through imaginative play. Ten play sets available, along with a chair, wagon & backpack. Rentals are FREE with a valid ID. Limited to one play set per family.
Visit us online at:
The RGV Coastal Expo is a free, educational, & fun hands-on event that teaches children, grades 1-6, about coastal ecosystems, South Texas wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Contact Veronica at vguzman@cityofedinburg.com Space is limited, so register today!
The EWBC is seeking volunteers to help with the event, event prep, set-up and more. For more details, contact Monica at mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com
Visit the city’s website at:
DECEMBER 1 Outdoor Cooking 8 Ducks and Donuts 8 Recycled Ornament Craft Day 15 DIY Birdseed Ornament 26-28 Magical Microscopes 29 Nature Exchange 29 Spectacular Saturday
SEPTEMBER 15 Orienteering Scavenger Hunt 22 Creative Creatures 29 Beginner Fishing Workshop 29 Nature Exchange 29 Spectacular Saturday OCTOBER 6 Volunteer Day 13 Bird Study Merit Badge 13 Pumpkin Planter 27 Scarecrow Trail Fest 27 Spectacular Saturday 30 Scarecrow Trail Hike
JANUARY 5 EWBC Big Count 5 Kids’ Gardening Series 12 Kids’ Gardening Series 16 Rancho Lomitas Tour 19 Kids’ Gardening Series 23 Adult Birding Series 26 Kids’ Gardening Series 26 Spectacular Saturday
NOVEMBER 3 Butterfly Baiting 6 Scarecrow Trail Hike 17 Where in the Wetlands 17 Nutty about Knots 24 Spectacular Saturday Bird Walks Every Tuesday, Sept. 4 - May 7
FEBRUARY 7-8 Coastal Expo 16 Beginner Fishing Workshop 23 Spectacular Saturday 23 Nature Exchange 27 Adult Birding Series Butterfly Walks Every Saturday, Oct. - Nov. 1
Fall/Winter 2018
Programs & Events
Parks & Recreation Department
www.EdinburgWBC.org
714 Raul Longoria RD PO BOX 1079 Edinburg, TX 78539
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center