July 3, 4: $2.50 off Admission for ‘AMERICA|250,’ more…

Both Friday & Saturday, July 3 & 4, get $2.50 off all levels of general admission
celebrating the 250th birthday of adopting our Declaration of Independence.
Also 25 percent off NEW memberships. On Friday ONLY, join the PARADE at 2
pm in front of the Plumeria Garden, ending with a BEST PATRIOTIC ATTIRE
CONTEST in the Rose Pavilion. See the Gardens, natural areas, bring a picnic!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Watering, Mowing, Weeding, Edging!

This is a first! The Botanical Gardens is looking for VOLUNTEERS to work with Grounds Staff helping with daily hand-watering, mowing, weeding, edging! Coastal rains made the grass grow, and watering restrictions still make us hand-water! We’ll work with your schedule, except (watering must be done before 10 am), other work between 9 and 6. Please call Kathie for details, 361-852-2100, x 225.

NEW MINI PRIVATE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

We’ve redesigned our PRIVATE ENCOUNTERS a bit for flexibility, and different animals! Small groups can enjoy fun interactions with THREE Animal Ambassadors, bird or reptile, with guests holding each animal, giving them snacks, taking photos in private setting. A great party, birthday, anniversary treat! Funds go to Animal Enrichment and Emergency Funds

SATURDAY MORNING CLASS SCHEDULE: Horticulture & Environmental Education

For your convenience, we’re providing a schedule of SATURDAY MORNING Horticulture & Environmental Education classes! All except BONSAI, 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.

BIG BLOOM Plant Sale Won’t Happen This Year!

Tears flowed like “rain” realizing we shouldn’t have the annual BIG BLOOM Plant Sale this
year, due to drought-caused water shortages and resulting watering restrictions! New Plants take lots of water. What if people couldn’t keep their plants alive? If sponsors weren’t interested? If attendance was down? What would public perception be if we had the fundraiser? We conserve our natural resources! Ignoring our critical water situation is not the image we want to project. No BIG BLOOM, but SEE MORE for how we make it up to you!

A night of MOONLIGHT MAGIC IN THE GARDENS, October 9, celebrates 20th Anniversary of Signature Fundraiser!

The 20th Anniversary celebration of Signature Fundraiser, ‘MOONLIGHT
‘MAGIC’ in the GARDENS,’ is 6-9:30 pm, Friday, October 9—presented for the 12th year by CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery! Featured performer include “Diamond’s Edge Band,” a six-member South Texas 1970s/80s pop/rock group; and “James Arthur, The Mentalist” who delights
crowds with his magical touch! Count on delicious restaurant dining and beverage stations, including signature drink. Enjoy this beautiful moonlit evening with magical theme, surroundings, entertainment!

WEEKEND ANIMAL EVENTS

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.

Just 2 KIDS SUMMER NATURE CAMPS LEFT!

Only two more KIDS SUMMER NATURE CAMPS LEFT. Both are July 6-10! Camp fees are $150 members, $175 others. NATURE SHUTTERBUGS, 9 to Noon, is a favorite for ages 9-13, turning out some fantastic photographers, especially with our guest speaker! ECO-AMBASSADORS, ages 9-16, is 1-4 pm, designed for youth who want to volunteer at the Gardens on a regular basis. This camp teaches basics in several areas of Gardens education and visitor interaction. Camp curricula are proven to delight, teach, inspire in the classroom; while accessing fresh air, education and exercise throughout our floral, trails and wetlands. Definitely a fun week. Call us if your child fits both camp age ranges, and wants to spend the day!

Animal Encounters-Parrots and/or Reptiles

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.