Volume 14 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2017
Kingfisher Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center Programs & Events
Page 1
CENTER NEWS
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Message from the Manager “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” - Robin Sherma Every year, EWBC staff are in the process of change. We strive to make small and large changes to our programs, services and grounds for the benefit of our patrons, community, wildlife and shared environment. This year, more than most, we have been undergoing change on multiple fronts. At times it has been messy and other times difficult as we juggle numerous projects, programs and events at the same time. However, as we reach our goals the results will not only be beautiful, they will be inviting, accessible and sustaining. Some of those changes are revealed in this season’s newsletter. To engage more families in the summer months, we have moved the Survival Series to July evenings. We also have more to offer our college crowd, such as Student DeDe-stress Day. Day Other ~ Marisa Oliva ~ changes will be revealed as you walk the grounds like our soon to be completed Picnic Area, Area the new access to the Children's Garden, Garden and long awaited work on the South Pond Deck. Deck Also, thanks to a donation from Valley Nature Center, Center our Bull Snake is actively roaming a much larger snake enclosure. Through the coming months more projects will be undertaken as we endeavor to be better stewards, neighbors and educators. We invite you to discover the changes as you explore all that the Center has to offer. Oh, and please, excuse our mess.
Nature Notes: New Wetland Ecology Program Nature Notes: New Wetland Ecology Program Each year, the EWBC sees thousands of elementary and middle school children from across the Rio Grande Valley come through its doors to learn about the environment, the wildlife in it, and the importance of conserving our natural resources. In an effort to engage older students, the EWBC has recently developed a wetland ecology program for high school students. Through several hands-on activities, high school students are doing real field research to gauge the health of wetlands. The students are conducting a macroinvertebrate assessment, analyzing physical and chemical properties of wetland soil, performing water chemistry tests, and conducting a wetland plant survey. This experiential learning allows the students to make connections between classroom curricula and the real world, in addition to giving them field work experience. With this program, we hope to foster their interest in science and inspire them to appreciate and conserve wetlands, wherever their career paths may lead them.
Creature Feature: Bird Conservation at the EWBC Bird conservation aims to reduce human–created pressures that negatively impact threatened birds, such as the Tropical Parula, Rose-throated Becard, and Northern Beardless-tyrannulet. In areas like the Rio Grande Valley, these pressures include habitat loss, pollution, accidental mortality (i.e.: window collisions), and predation by cats. EWBC, along with many of our partner nature and conservation sites, enlist a variety of strategies to protect and conserve our local and migratory bird species through habitat restoration, chemical restrictions, window treatments, and cat trapping. The last strategy has become increasingly necessary at EWBC due to a growing population of feral cats living on the grounds, hunting and killing wildlife, especially migratory song birds. According to a joint 2013 study by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, as many as 3.7 billion birds are killed each year by cats in the U.S. At the local level, EWBC works with Animal Control to trap and remove cats from our site. We also highly discourage dropping off of unwanted pets here, as it can lead to a slow and painful death of pets unaccustomed to the wild, and may lead to disease or other problems for our local wildlife population. If you happen upon a cat trap while visiting our site, we ask that you leave it alone, or report a trapped animal to one of our staff. And if, like us, you want the best for your pet, adopt a pet from your local shelter, spay or neuter them, and keep them indoors. For questions, please call us at (956) 381-9922.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Page 2
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Visit us often? Consider becoming a member of The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. Not only will you receive great benefits, but you will support EWBC educational programs and habitat conservation efforts. The 2016-2017 Membership year runs until July 31, 2017. The 2017-2018 Membership will be available June 1, 2017. Benefits include: free entry up to 8 family members, discounts on programs and events, bi-annual newsletter mailed to you, the yearly membership patch and more. The Family Membership is $25 per year.
NEW at EWBC! Toddler Play Sets Gardening Music Makers Fairies & Gnomes Digging & Trucks Kitchen & Cooking Explorers & Dinosaurs
• • • • • •
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. 10 play sets available, along with a chair, wagon & backpack. Rentals are FREE with a valid ID.
For portrait photographers, $75 yearly pass includes: • • • •
12 month access (from purchase date). Free entry for the photographer and up to 15 clients per photo session. No limit on photo shoots. Opportunity of reserving our site for an afterhours photo shoot (Tues-Sat), up to two hours after closing, at $50 an hour.
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 with a valid ID. Limited to one field pack per family. Ask how you can purchase a Junior Ranger Field Pack today.
Looking for a place to host your next business meeting, party or wedding ceremony? Consider the Edinburg World Birding Center. We have a variety of options available indoors and out. For more information, visit us at www.EdinburgWBC.org.
Page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Wondering what to do with your family during Spring Break Week? Why not explore the great outdoors at EWBC with fun programs and self-led activities. Participation is free with membership or regular admission. Programs week of March 13-17. Monday:
Wildlife Scavenger Hunt (self-guided)
Tuesday:
Bug Walk 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wednesday:
Pond Exploration 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Thursday :
Bird Walk 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Friday:
“Who Done It” Mystery Game (self-guided)
Saturday, March 18
2 - 6 pm
Celebrate all things magical with our enchanted forest friends. Build Fairy homes, search for Elven treasure, play in a Quidditch Tourney, have a magical tea party and more. Dress up in enchanted themes for a chance at fun prizes in our Children's Costume Contest.
Free Entry. $5 fee per fairy home participant. Includes natural materials bundle. $2 for additional materials bundle.
Saturday, May 6 FREE entry all day Free Wi-Fi Upcoming final exams stressing you out? Relax your body and renew your spirit with activities geared to clear your mind. Enjoy plenty of places to chill, study or get active. Activities include: Yoga sessions, water gun battles, slip-n-slide, rock painting and more. Food and snacks available for purchase. Free Wi-Fi provided by AT&T.
Page 4
YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS
Vol. 14 Issue 1
This summer, get your kids moving and exploring in an EWBC Summer Nature Camp. Participants will learn about animals, plants, and our outdoor world through hands-on activities, explorations, arts & crafts and more. For more information, visit our website or call (956) 381-9922. Creepy Crawly Creatures Camp
Children are naturally fascinated by all things creepy, crawly, and icky. This camp takes time to nurture that sense of wonder in a fun and educational setting. Campers will venture into all things gross, from slimy snails to slithering snakes, through a fusion of outdoor games, crafts, puppets and so much more. Ages: 4-6 Dates: July 25 – July 28 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Fee:$24 members, $30 non-members
Calling all nature superheroes. Explore the science behind superheroes and study the animals that inspired them. Campers will engage in a variety of activities, including nature explorations, games, and a field trip, all designed to promote awareness of our environment so you can become your own nature superhero. Ages: 9-12 Dates: June 27 – June 30 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Fee: $50 members, $56 non-members
Parents, this camp is for you and your tot. Spend time together learning about nature in a secure and This camp is for all creative creatures. Experience a safe environment. Meet our puppet friends, explore new way of approaching art and nature through the outdoors, engage in song and dance and more outdoor art activities and crafts using natural while interacting with other tots. This camp is a great materials. From mud painting to watercolors, this opportunity for your little ones to experience nature camp is designed to promote creative thinking and from the very beginning. help kids connect with nature through fun and art. Ages: 1-3 Dates: July 5 – July 7 Time: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $10 members, $14 non-members
Ages: 6-9 Dates: July 18 – July 21 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Fee: $30 members, $36 non-members
For all camps, registration deadline is one week prior to camp. Full payment is due two days prior to the event. Space is limited. Please register your children early so you don’t miss this great opportunity.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Page 5
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Who Dung It?
Brownie Girl Scout Day
How well do you know animal poop? Animal droppings, also known as dung or scat, can give us clues as to what animals have been on the trails. Join EWBC staff on an investigative walk to discover who “dung” it. Learn to detect and identify animals by their droppings, tracks, and other signs.
Brownie Girl Scouts, join the EWBC for a morning of educational, hands-on activities that will fulfill the badge requirements for the Home Scientist badge. See that science is all around us by participating in some cool experiments. Patches are not included, but scouts will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Registration is required by June 19. Note:
Date: Saturday, April 1 Time: 3 – 4 p.m. Fee: Regular Admission
Toddler Play Dates Are you looking for your Toddler(s) to interact with others their age? Then join the EWBC for its monthly Toddler Play Dates. Toddlers aged 1-4 and their parents can surround themselves with the natural world as they join us for hands-on, interactive play. Activities may include puppet shows, games, story telling, puzzle time, guided walks, and an optional free play after the program.
Program Dates and Themes: April 15 Eggs and Bunnies
Entry is free for scout leaders. Other non-participants are welcome to enjoy the Center and grounds and must pay the EWBC admission fee. This is not drop off program. All children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or scout leader.
Date: Saturday, June 24 Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fee:
$4 per scout
Puppet Show: Life at the Wetlands Join us for a special presentation of our “Life at the Wetlands” puppet show. Meet Ruby Rat and her animal friends as they learn about habitats. Afterward, enjoy a fun guided walk to learn about the habitat at EWBC.
May 13 Mommy Animals
Date: Saturday, July 29
June 17 Nature Patterns
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
July 22 Water
Fee: FREE
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $2 per toddler with one free guardian
Hidden World Discover the hidden world right beneath our feet! Join EWBC education staff for a trail walk as we turn over logs and explore under leaves for the critters that hide underneath. From toads and snakes to crawling insects and everything in-between, we will be exploring the wildlife living unseen all around us.
Webelos Boy Scout Day Scouts, go “into the wild” and learn about some of the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that live all around us during our Into the Wild program. This program will fulfill all requirements for the badge. Badges are not included, but scouts will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Registration is required by July 31. Note: Entry is free
Date: Saturday, May 20th
for scout leaders. Other non-participants are welcome to enjoy the Center and grounds and must pay the EWBC admission fee. This is not drop off program. All children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or scout leader.
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, August 5
Fee:
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Regular Admission
Fee:
$4 per scout
Page 6
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Junior Angler Program
Outdoor Cooking
Beginning anglers, learn basic fishing skills such as tackle assembly, fishing knots, baits and lures, fish ID, and fishing regulations, and practice casting with a rod-and-reel. Upon completing the course, students will receive a Basic Angler Certification and a fish recognition pin. The program is for children, ages 7 and up, and their Parents / Guardians. The program is free, but registration is required at least one week prior to the course.
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 many different dishes that can be created. Participants will also enjoy three traditional dishes so come prepared to eat! Reservations are required at least TWO days in advance.
Date: Saturday, June 10 Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Date: Saturday, July 8 Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fee: $10 members, $12 nonnon-members
Fee: Free
Spectacular Saturdays S prin g an d S ummer are wonderful times to get outside and enjoy nature. Join us on the last Saturday of each month when we waive admission fees for the general public. Families can walk along the gardens and enjoy the abundant wildlife. Binoculars, Junior Ranger Field Packs, and Children’s Garden Play Sets are available to rent free of charge with a picture I.D. During the day, education staff will provide pop-up activities for children and families to enjoy. Activities may include guided nature walks, scavenger hunts, dip netting, butterfly baiting, and more. NOTE: Free entry does not include fee for
concurring programs and activities.
Dates: 3/25, 4/29, 5/27, 6/24, 7/29, 8/26 Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fee:
FREE All Day
2017 BirdBird-A-Thon Join EWBC for a Birding Competition for the whole family! The competition will run throughout April and will take place in Edinburg. A map of designated areas will be provided. Age divisions include: Youth 8-12, Teens 13-17, & Adults 18 & Up. Family/Mixed Group division: 5 yrs. & Up. BirdBird-A-Thon KickKick-Off: Saturday, April 1, 2016 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Team Registrations 8:30 - 10 a.m.: Kick-off Bird Walk 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: How to Read a Field Guide End of Competition: Monday, May 1 , 4:30 p.m. Final Submissions
EWBC Spring/Summer 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**
Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, May 10, 6 - 7:30 p.m. To register, please call (956) 381-9922 on or before April 1. The registration fee is $12 per adult and $10 per child. Each registrant will receive a free t-shirt and other goodies.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Page 7
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Bird Walks
Project WILD Workshop
Please join us for a walk around our grounds as we introduce you to the abundant and varied wildlife that make our gardens and wetlands home. Binoculars, scopes and field guides are provided. Tours are available in English or Spanish. All walks are free with paid admission or membership. RR. Can't make the tour this time? Call Monica at (956) 381 - 9922 to schedule a tour, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4 pm.
Educators, learn how to teach young people about wildlife, habitat, and ecological systems through fun, hands-on, and easy to use activities. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, aligned to the TEKS and TAKS, and teachers earn SBEC credit. This workshop includes sampling of activities and curriculum guide. Registration is required by June 12. 12
Bird Walks March – May 9th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Date: Every Tuesday
Fee: $35 (includes lunch and snacks)
Date: Friday, June 16
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Fee:
Regular Admission
Friday Night with a Naturalist Join us and some of the best naturalists and nature enthusiasts in the valley for wonderful family programs this Spring. The third Friday of each month, the EWBC invites different speakers to share their knowledge of birds, butterflies, plants and more. Program and admission are FREE! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and presentations are from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. RR.
Upcoming Programs March 17
Mythical Creatures of Nature
April 21
Wildflowers
May 19
ColdCold-blooded Critters
Project WILD Combo Workshop Educators, learn how to teach students about terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and ecosystems using fun, hands-on, activities. This workshop includes sampling of activities and curriculum guides. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers receive SBEC and TEEAC continuing education credit. Space is limited. Registration is required by July 28. 28
DATE: Wed - Thurs, August 9 – 10 TIME: W: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Lunch provided). TIME: T: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Snacks provided) FEE: $50 (includes lunch and snacks)
Rancho Lomitas Tour
Angler Education Workshop
Travel with the EWBC staff to the Rio Grande City area and tour the native bushland habitat of Rancho Lomitas. Ranch owner and ethnobotanist Benito Trevino will lead the group around the scenic ranch and discuss how native plants have helped local people survive in our harsh environment. Also, discover the medicinal heritage of the Rio Grande Valley during this fascinating excursion. Reservations are required at least TWO days in advance.
Become a TPWD certified Angler Education Instructor. This workshop is open to adults interested in teaching fishing skills in their communities. The program provides the curriculum, equipment, materials and support to help volunteers introduce youth and their families to fishing. Ideal for teachers, youth group leaders, after school or camp staff and community volunteers. This program is free, but space is limited. Registration is required by August 5.
Date: Thursday, April 6
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Fee:
Fee: Free
$20 Members $25 NonNon-members
Page 8
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Volunteer Planting Days
Volunteer Day at EWBC
Join us at the EWBC as we expand our habitat by planting along the gardens. Help us in establishing plants for butterflies and other insects as well as the birds, and learn useful tips on how to plant natives in your own yard. Water and tools will be provided, but volunteers may bring their own as well.
Join the EWBC in giving the gardens some much needed TLC. Help us clean up trash, remove weeds growing in unwanted areas, and more. If you didn’t get the chance to participate in earth day activities, this is your chance to help our environment and the wildlife that depend on it. We’ll provide all the tools and water needed, so just bring yourself (and a friend) and enjoy the outdoors while giving back to mother earth.
Date: Saturday, March 11 Saturday, March 25 Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Spring Break Volunteer Week Join us at the EWBC as we work to prepare our Herb Garden area to get it ready for planting new herbs. These herbs are made available for free picking for anyone who’d like to cook with them. The planting of the herb garden will be on Wednesday, March 25th, but the area needs some prep work to help ensure the success of our herbs.
Date: Tues - Thurs., March 1414-16 Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 26 Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
EWBC Big Sit Join EWBC staff at the canal overlook and help them in their efforts to win the “Texas Birding Classic Big Sit!” competition as they try to hear or see as many bird species as possible from within a 17’ circle for the day. Bring your chair, your keen senses, and jump in the count circle and help us tally some birds!
Date: Saturday, April 29 Time: 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Project Martin Watch is a continent-wide scientific project where volunteers monitor martin nests from the beginning of nest construction until the last fledgling has left. The EWBC invites individuals, ages 16 and older, to attend
Introduction to Project Martin Watch Saturday, April 1 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. The program will include a presentation on Purple Martins and information on joining the Purple Martin Task Force. Members of the Task Force will meet to collect data on Tuesdays and Saturdays, April – July.
To volunteer, please contact Monica Barrera at (956) 381381-9922 or mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com
The EWBC is offering a range of internships each semester for college students and career explorers. If you are interested in gaining real-world experience in marketing, public outreach, wildlife / habitat conservation or environmental education, please contact Monica Barrera at (956) 381-9922 or mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com.
Page 9
SUMMER EVENTS
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Members, bring family and friends out for an evening of music, food, live animals, and fun. Learn about the programs, offerings and habitat restoration activities of EWBC, and what our future has in store. The event is free for members and their guests. RR
MEMBERSHIP RAFFLE: Join/renew for a chance to win cool prizes! New and returning members will receive one entry. Members who refer a friend will receive two entries upon new member sign-up.
June 8 July 27 Aug 10
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT BATS ASTRONOMY
8 - 9:30 p.m. 8 - 9:30 p.m. 8 - 10 p.m.
Learn about the fascina ng world that emerges a er the sun sets with these family friendly evening programs. Programs include a presenta on and outdoor ac vity. Live animals may be present. Members free, $2 per nonnon-member, age 6 and up. RR
Saturday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m.
FREE Snacks & drinks available for purchase. Remember to bring your lawn chair and blankets.
Page 10
SUMMER EVENTS
Vol. 14, Issue 1
Get outside and enjoy the outdoors this summer. As part of the RGVFSA Challenge, visit different nature centers and parks in the RGV to complete various fun challenges with your family. Upon completion and journal submission, your family name will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win cool prizes. The challenge is for families with children aged 18 and under. Journals available on-line and at different nature centers and parks throughout the RGV starting May 27th. KickKick-off the challenge at EWBC with our free Family Picnic Day. Day Have a picnic at our pergola and enjoy fun picnic activities such as a water balloon toss, sack races, giant bubbles, nature walks, and more. Admission is free the entire day. Activities begin at 4 pm.
Night is near, and time is short. Can you save the world and survive the swamp monsters? WATER WARRIOR TRAINING Tuesday, July 11 and Thursday, July 13.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SWAMP MONSTER SURVIVAL CHALLENGE Saturday, July 15. 6 pm to 8 pm FREE entry. Must be 8 years old or older to participate and accompanied by an adult if under 16 years of age. RR.
HOLIDAY & STAFF CLOSINGS The EWBC will be closed for the following staff days and national holidays: April 14 May 4 - 5 May 29 July 4
Good Friday Staff Days Memorial Day Independence Day
A new source for outdoor happenings in the RGV RR: Reservations Required Please make reservations at least two days in advance, unless otherwise noted, by calling us at (956) 381381-9922. Member price is for EWBC family members only.
MAY 6 13 19 20 27 27
Student DeDe-Stress Day Toddler Play Date FNWN: ColdCold-Blooded Critters Hidden World RGV FSAC KickKick-Off Spectacular Saturday
JULY 5-7 Tiny Tot Explorers Camp 8 Outdoor Cooking 11,13,15 Survival Series 1818-21 EcoEco-Art Camp 22 Toddler Play Date 2525-28 Creepy Crawly Creatures Camp 27 Bats 29 Puppet Show 29 Spectacular Saturday AUGUST 5 Webelos Scout Day 9-10 Project/Aquatic WILD Workshop 10 Astronomy Night 19 Angler Education Workshop 26 Spectacular Saturday Bird Walks Every Tuesday, March - May
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center
BirdBird-A-Thon KickKick-Off Purple Martin Watch Intro Who Dung It? Rancho Lomitas Tour Toddler Play Date FNWN: Wildflowers Volunteer Day GTBC Big Sit Spectacular Saturday
Summer Movie Night Creatures of the Night Junior Angler Project WILD Teacher Workshop Toddler Play Date Membership Recruitment Event Brownie Scout Day Spectacular Saturday Superhero Nature Camp
714 Raul Longoria RD PO BOX 1079 Edinburg, TX 78539
APRIL 1 1 1 6 15 21 26 29 29
JUNE 3 8 10 16 17 23 24 24 2727-30
www.EdinburgWBC.org
MARCH 11 Volunteer Planting Day 1313-17 Spring Break Adventures 1414-16 Spring Break Volunteer Week 17 FNWN: Mythical Creatures 18 Spring Fairy Festival 25 Volunteer Planting Day 25 Spectacular Saturday
Spring/Summer 2017 Programs & Events