Category Archives: General Post

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!

MARIPOSA PALOOZA, the awesome artful butterfly exhibit featuring 70 artists,
remains on display through November 2, funded by the city Arts & Cultural
Commission. SEE MORE for list of Winners–Top three Adult and Youth artists,
plus Merit awards. Don’t miss this beautiful display, included in admission.

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.

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

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.

Latest—NEWS UPDATE!—3/1/23
Due to continued nationwide increase in Avian Flu (HPAI), we regret our parrots cannot be in their normal outdoor enclosures for risk of exposure to wild bird HPAI carriers. Instead we are rotating our personable parrots in indoor spaces for guest viewing daily. They will be happy to see you! Please check with Visitors Center Front Desk when you arrive for the day’s schedule. We continue to protect our parrot ambassadors based on latest USDA & Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) updated guidelines, & advice from their veterinarian. Weekend “Parrot Talk” events still suspended.

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!

2023 WINTER LECTURE SERIES, teaching valuable unique lessons in South Texas horticulture, are Wednesday mornings at 9:30, from January 18-February 22! Both residents and winter visitors meet new acquaintances over a up of coffee, listening to expert speakers. Included in your membership, general admission,
or $5 per lecture. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, 361-852-2100.

We’ve all been waiting for the annual PLUMERIA SOCIETY OF SOUTH TEXAS Plumeria Sale, coming 10am-1pm, Saturday, July 19. This year, it’s at the Garden Senior Center, 5325 Greely. Seminar is 9:30 am, Saturday, July12, at Botanical Gardens.

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…