PRIVATE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS—parrots back! PRIVATE ENCOUNTERS now for longer time periods, either parrots or reptiles! Small groups can enjoy fun interactions with either THREE parrots or THREE reptiles with guests holding each animal, giving them snacks, taking photos in private setting. A great party, birthday, anniversary, or friend treat! Funds go to Animal Enrichment and Emergency Funds.

Seventy professional or amateur artists can “wing their way through spring” with MARIPOSA PALOOZA, by creatively reimagining a 24-30” aluminum butterfly for the outdoor collection opening Mother’s Day Weekend, May 10-Nov 2, funded by the city Arts & Cultural Commission. If you’d like to create an entry, come by the Administration Building, entrance on S. Oso Pkwy at S. Staples, 9:30 am-5:30 pm weekdays.

ONLINE REGISTRATION CUT-OFF is April 16! After that, on-site in person registration begins 1-5 pm, Tuesday, April 22, in Vendor Tent; and Wed-Sat, 10-5. Be sure to check in to get your packet and BFIA badge. Festival is April 23-27. Have marked some closed Field Trips on blog. Last year, five-day species count was 284. This is the first year we’ve had evening entertainment each night! For complete details, schedule visit
WWW.BIRDIESTFESTIVAL.ORG and register today! Proudly Presented by FLINT HILLS
Resources.

If you missed on-line registration, it’s not too late! SEE MORE for IN-PERSON
REGISTRATION info for Birdiest Festival in America, Apr 22-27!

$2 ‘SUPER SATURDAY’ Community Day, 10am-5pm, Sat, Apr 26, is open to public, MEMBERS FREE! Artisan Market, Vendor Trade Show, Raptor Projects, see the Gardens in spring bloom! And for your patience missing BIG BLOOM—also butterfly and lady bug releases, animal ambassadors, small Orchid Sale from collection & Native Plants for pollinators for those savvy water savers! SEE MORE for schedule.

In a unique fusion of art, community and nature, students in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Sculpture, Ceramics, Design, and Hand-Building classes present “Wildlife & Wonder: Coastal Bend Creations,” nearly 60 pieces of plant and wildlife art at the Botanical Gardens, April 19-May 4, included in general admission.

More than 500 guests dressed in colorful Hawaiian dresses and shirts enjoyed the Botanical Gardens tropical collections, food samplings from nine restaurants, signature Blue Hawaiians, a butterfly release, silent auction, “Aloha Dave & the Tourists” and hula dancing with the “Pacific Islanders,” Friday, October 4, at MOONLIGHT LUAU in the GARDENS! The 16 annual signature fundraiser drew veteran Moonlighters, first-timers, VIPs, candidates, plus corporate and personal sponsors. CITGO was Presenting Sponsor for the 10th year. SEE MORE for photos of the fun…

For your convenience, we’re providing a schedule of SATURDAY MORNING Horticulture & Environmental Education classes! All begin at 9:30 am, Education Station classroom, with spaced seating for 40. Unless noted, all are covered by that day’s general admission, membership, or $5 each. Educational, fun, meet new friends. Make your reservation at 361-852-2100.

Guests visiting Saturdays or Sundays are treated to REP-TALES,10:30 am, on the Festival Lawn. Meet and learn about some our Reptile Animal Ambassadors including tortoises, iguanas, snakes and other creatures (specific animal ambassadors and species vary daily). Included with membership or general admission. Feed these reptiles for additional fee.