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.
Petals, Patterns, and Passion
August 8
With bold colors and intricate shapes, passionflowers are among the most eye-catching native wildflowers in the Rio Grande Valley. But there's more to these vines than meets the eye!
- • Learn about basic flower anatomy using passionflowers as a guide.
- • Discover the diversity of passionflowers native to the RGV.
- • Engage in crafting your own passionflower model while exploring symmetry and structure.
Reptiles in the Sun
August 15
From sunbathing on sidewalks to darting underbrush, reptiles are some of the Valley’s most resilient summer survivors. In celebration of World Lizard Day, we’ll explore how lizards and other reptiles thrive in the scorching South Texas sun.
- • Learn how and why reptiles shed their skin.
- • Discover some of the reptiles that call the RGV home.
- • Engage in a hands-on molting experiment with a reptile model.
Insect Bioluminescence
August 22
Glowing insects are truly magical, because not every living creature, let alone every insect, can make light from their bodies! This Saturday we’re exploring the bugs that glow, with a focus on the Texas Click Beetle!
- • Learn why and how the Texas Glowing Beetle glows and how they are different form fireflies.
- • Discover how their “click” helps them flip into the air and escape danger.
- • Engage in making your own glowing beetle puppet by exploring bioluminescence.
Bats and Palms
August 29
In honor of international Bat Nights, join us to learn about the bats that call the valley home and discover how native palm trees play a vital role in their survival.
- • Learn about the unique bat species of the RGV and the roles they play in our ecosystems.
- • Discover how the Texas Sabal Palm provides shelter, camouflage, and safety for bats.
- • Engage in building your own yellow bat roost model.
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.