If you haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions yet, or you need some ideas, Colleen Hook from Quinta Mazatlan offers some advice on how to unplug and renew in 2024.

She offers five ideas for making nature-minded resolutions that help your well-being.

The first one is to go on a nature hike once a month. Quinta Mazatlan is surrounded by nature trails and home to many birds. In addition to wild walks, you can join a Thursday Night Speaker Series, Wednesday Yoga, or Saturday Tai Chi in the Park.

Another idea is to start an easy recycling program at your office as 75% of what we throw away can be recycled. Begin with paper and cardboard and visible trash bins for all to see.

Third, find some stewardship opportunities. Quinta Mazatlan Would love to have you as a volunteer. You can join them on Tuesdays or Thursdays starting at 9 a.m. Or join in on Tiny Forest Saturdays on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Why not convert part of your lawn to native plants. Consider removing some of your grass and converting it to small garden beds that attract birds and butterflies. Watch for Backyard Habitat Workshops at Quinta Mazatlan where you can learn more about creating your own little habitats in your yard.

And of course, plant, plant, plant. Our local animals need plants for survival. Quinta Mazatlan, and other parks like the Butterfly Nature Center, have regular native plant sales where you can find plants suitable for our climate, and for the critters in the Rio Grande Valley.

Don’t forget, the Rio Grande Valley has the network of birding centers (www.worldbirdingcenter.org), nature centers, and wildlife refuges throughout the RGV that you can visit and become one with nature.