The Museum of South Texas History, in partnership with the University of Texas in Austin, invites the community to share stories during “Town Hall: Local Disasters,” a free special event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13.
The Food Bank RGV invites the public and runners of all levels to join them at Food Bank RGV’s 5K Color Bash on August 13, 2022 at the Edinburg Municipal Park. The 5K Color Bash will benefit the Food Bank RGV and enable the organization to help fight hunger and food insecurity in the RGV.
Written by Adam Russell, TAMU
Summer is always a challenging time for Texas ornamental and vegetable gardens, but a record heat wave and drought have made it especially difficult to keep plants from turning brown and crispy. So, how can we manage our gardens until rain and cooler temperatures bring relief?
Read more: Record temperatures push limits of plant survival
Rocket, a beloved giraffe at the Gladys Porter Zoo, is now the main character of her own children’s book, Rocket the Space Giraffe. The book was written by Suzanne Shepard, Board President of the Valley Zoological Society, and illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell, an award-winning illustrator. Since the Zoo’s public unveiling of the book on July 21st, Rocket the Space Giraffe has skyrocketed to the #1 spot in New Releases of Children’s Zoo Books on Amazon.
Read more: New Children’s Book features Gladys Porter Zoo Giraffe
The 82nd annual Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT) is scheduled for Aug. 3-7, 2022, and is expected to attract as many as 1,500 participants. The family-oriented event includes two days of competitive fishing and an array of activities for all ages.
Read more: 82nd Annual Texas International Fishing Tournament
Gladys Porter Zoo is back with their annual fun run to support sea turtle conservation. The Ridley Rush will take place on July 23rd at 8 a.m. at the Gladys Porter Zoo. Proceeds from this event directly benefit the Bi-National Kemp’s ridley sea turtle conservation project that the Zoo oversees in Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas.
The 1-mile route takes guests through the scenic Gladys Porter Zoo as they encounter obstacles that hatchlings must endure on their rush to the ocean as well as throughout their journey to adulthood. From predators to ocean debris, sea turtles are faced with a multitude of hurdles to overcome in the wild. So apart from raising money for conservation, the run is also educational for all participants.
Written by Susan Himes, TAMU
A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert wants people to better understand and appreciate our native bee pollinators.
“When people see a bee in their garden, many assume it is a honeybee when, odds are, it is actually a native bee,” said Molly Keck, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist and entomologist, San Antonio.
#GOSH2022: Explore new Texas destinations and share selfies along the way
AUSTIN – Summer’s going by fast but there’s still time to jump in the car for an unforgettable road trip, near home or across the state.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s Great Outdoor Scavenger Hunt (GOSH) returns for a third year of carefree fun across Texas. Travel to various locations on the magazine’s list, take a selfie and post it with the hashtag #GOSH2022. Discover history, wildlife, parks, waterways and quirky attractions — plus some classic eateries to visit and an iconic Texas soundtrack on Spotify and Apple Music as a “bonus” to enjoy along the way.
When the sun goes down, the moths come out at Quinta Mazatlan! Join us for this very special glimpse into the world of nocturnal insects on Saturday night, July 23rd, open from 9 pm to midnight.
A dimly lit trail will guide the guests through the Thorn Forest trails at Quinta Mazatlan to special Mothing Stations with knowledgeable naturalists. Guests should expect to see spiders, scorpions, frogs, toads, beetles and more.
AUSTIN— As we enter the summer months, Texans are heading to Texas State Parks to enjoy time outdoors. Last year, 43 state parks reported 102 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Since January 1, 54 heat-related incidents have already been reported, compared to 34 reported by this time last year.
With temperatures soaring into the triple digits, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is sharing their suggestions for staying safe in the outdoors.
Read more: Texas State Parks share six tips for staying safe on the trails
The Mercedes Police Department, The Uniting Neighbors in Drug Abuse Defense (UNIDAD) Coalition, and Behavioral Solutions of Texas partnered up to install a permanent prescription medication box at Mercedes City Hall, located at 400 S. Ohio Avenue.
Read more: Mercedes Police Department unveils prescription box
Written by Adam Russell, TAMU
Garden spiders may look scary, but they are a friend of gardeners and help keep insect populations in check around the house.
Garden spiders go by many names – writing spiders, yellow garden spiders, banana spider and by their genus – Argiope, said Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist, Austin.
Join the Museum of South Texas History for a Sunday Speaker Series panel discussion, “The Origins of Mariachi Music in South Texas Public Schools,” featuring panelists Ofelia de los Santos, Amancio Chapa Jr. and Miguel de los Santos, Ph.D., at 2 p.m. on July 24.
Read more: Origins of high school mariachi groups in South Texas
CANYON—To curb the risk for heat exposure to visitors, Palo Duro Canyon State Park will begin closing select trails between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. when the National Weather Service issues heat advisories for the area.
Extreme heat at Palo Duro Canyon State Park led to 47 recent rescue calls in under 48 hours. Every year, the park experiences a slew of distress calls during the hot summer months, stretching park staff and emergency services thin.
"Days when Palo Duro Canyon sees extreme heat are not only dangerous for visitors, but also our first responders from around the community,” said Joe Allen, Superintendent of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. “This change will emphasize safe recreation in the heat and reduce the demand on fire and rescue teams.”
EDINBURG, Texas — A new temporary exhibit titled “Borderlands-An Illustrated History by José Cisneros” will open in the Cell Block Gallery in the 1910 Jail at the Museum of South Texas History on Tuesday, July 5.
