Save our pollinators, save our world

Written by Laura Muntean, TAMU

Pollinators serve a great purpose in the agriculture world. Without them, humans and animals would have little to no food at all.

Texas A&M AgriLife researcher Juliana Rangel, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab and associate professor of apiculture in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology, explains the incredible impact that such typically small animals and insects play in the role of our food supply.

Read more: Save our pollinators, save our world

Gladys Porter Zoo Debuts Two New Babies

Gladys Porter Zoo staff are excited to introduce two new babies at the Zoo: a dromedary camel and a reticulated giraffe. Both babies made their debut on exhibit this week.

The healthy male giraffe was born to parents Priscilla and CJ on June 14, 2021. Now one month old, he joins another calf in the giraffe yard that was born just a few months ago.

Reticulated giraffes, like the ones at the Zoo, are listed as Endangered with an estimate of less than 10,000 remaining in the wild. Their numbers have decreased by 50% in the last three decades.

Read more: Gladys Porter Zoo Debuts Two New Babies

Heroes Walk the Superhero Trail at Quinta Mazatlán

Everyone loves a Superhero with a great story, especially real-life Superheroes of today. Rio Grande Regional Hospital is proud to sponsor the outdoor Superhero Trail at Quinta Mazatlán in July and August.

Cris Rivera, Chief Executive Officer of Rio Grande Regional Hospital states, “We are proud to sponsor the outdoor Superhero Trail at Quinta Mazatlán. Our health system and many other first responders tapped their ultimate superhero strength during the pandemic. We have true superhero stories of people changing the world for the better!”

Read more: Heroes Walk the Superhero Trail at Quinta Mazatlán

Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation on mitigation, preparedness, disaster response

The Museum of South Texas History will host the Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, “Mitigation, Preparedness and Disaster Response,” featuring Suzanne A. Pierce, Barry Goldsmith and Raul E. Sesin at 2 p.m. on Aug. 1 on Facebook Live.

Using historical context established in the previous two Sunday Speaker Series Online presentations on Hurricane Beulah and the effects of flooding in the Rio Grande Valley, scientists will discuss ways local communities can mitigate against natural disasters. The panel will also reflect on approaches to developing regional action plans. This is the final presentation in a three-part collaborative series between MOSTHistory and Planet Texas, a University of Texas research center dedicated to the rigorous study of climate change.

Read more: Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation on mitigation, preparedness, disaster response

Texas Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 6-8

Although you might not need school supplies for your family, this is a great time to start collecting items for any charities or schools you help out during the winter season. I fyou aren't in Texas, check with your state to see when their Sales Tax Holiday i happening.

(AUSTIN) — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding shoppers they can save money on clothes and school supplies during the state’s sales tax holiday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-8.

State law exempts sales tax on qualified items — such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks — priced below $100, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. The date of the sales tax holiday and list of tax-exempt items are set by the Texas Legislature.

Read more: Texas Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 6-8

Begin to birdwatch class offered

Learn about the world of birds and birdwatching, full of colorful birds with interesting lives. After a fun-filled introduction to the diversity of birds, we will focus on the tips and tricks to identifying birds. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the best regions in the country for birdwatching - all we need is to look outside!

Join John Brush, urban ecologist from Quinta Mazatlan, for a presentation on how to begin birdwatching! The class will be available on Saturday, July 31 from 2-3 p.m. at the McAllen Public Library (Main Library, meeting room A, 4001 N. 23rd St.)

Register here: https://mcallenlibrary.libnet.info/event/5268889 . For more information, contact Grace or Nicole at (956) 681-3060.