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.
The Secret Life of Lichen
August 2nd
Lichen may look like moss or paint splatter on trees, but it’s actually a fascinating partnership between fungi and alae. Join us as we dive into the mysterious world of lichen and discover how they thrive in the most unexpected places.
- • Learn how fungi and algae form a symbiotic relationship to create lichen.
- • Discover the intricate textures, colors, and growth patterns of lichen up close using a microscope.
- • Engage in a textured lichen collage or cardboard tube lichen log activity.
Petals, Patterns, and Passion
August 9th
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 our 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 16th
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.
Summer Buzzmakers
August 23rd
The sound of summer is here — can you hear it? Cicadas sing from the trees each July, and now’s your chance to discover why they’re so loud (and so cool)!
- • Learn about the cicada life cycle and why they emerge in summer.
- • Discover why cicadas are the loudest bugs in the trees.
- • Engage in a symmetrical cicada art activity inspired by their unique body shapes and wings.
Bats in the Palms
August 30th
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.