STEM Stops
Our Saturday outdoor learning experiences are designed for families to explore, engage, learn and play! Find a program which may interest you and your child! Please check the Calendar of Events for dates and times.
• Date: Every Saturday
Participants will:
- • Gain a better understanding of what happens within an ecological community.
- • Explore what we can learn from nature’s structure and function.
- • Embark on a guided trail walk through our Tamaulipan Thorn Forest, discovering native flora and fauna.
Living, Breathing Soil
December 6
Join us in celebration of World Soil Day and learn what makes nutrient rich soil and investigate why plants need soil to grow.
- • Learn what soil is and the different soil types within the Rio Grande Valley.
- • Discover how nutrients in compost affect the rate of growth of seedlings.
- • Engage in creating a newspaper planter pot.
Winter Birding!
December 13
Some rare birds begin to show up this time of year at the Urban Sanctuary. Join a QM Guide for a family winter birding walk and learn how to identify birds based on their physical and behavioral characteristics.
- • Learn about avifauna native to south Texas and those migrating.
- • Discover bird behavior, and learn how to identify them.
- • Engage in starting your very own birder’s field notebook.
Christmas Cholla and other Cactus
December 20
Explore the cactus whose bright red fruits add attractive color to the brown desert! Discover the wonder of desert ecosystems and investigate shape of cacti plants on a guided trail walk.
- • Learn about the Christmas Cholla Cactus and how they thrive in desert ecosystems.
- • Discover the shapes and patterns of desert cactus and learn how their form aid their adaptability.
- • Engage in designing your own cactus kaleidoscope inspired by colors of desert flora.
Red Bordered Pixie and Gumuchil
December 27
Why do plants smell the way they do? In this sensory exploration, participants will make bracelets with flowers and leaves from fragrant native plants. Along the way, we’ll uncover the science of plant scents.
- • Learn about the life of Red Bordered Pixie and their unique relationship to the Gumuchil Tree.
- • Discover where butterflies flutter, feed and rest on a guided trail walk.
- • Engage in Chrysalis Structure Construction.
Show Your Support
Support Quinta Mazatlán by becoming a member, giving your time as a volunteer or a donation. Your gift helps us care for the conservation of plants, education for children & adults, programs for the community & the mission & goals of Quinta Mazatlán.