Transform a portion of your yard into a welcoming place for birds and butterflies this fall. Allen Williams, landscape habitat specialist at PSJA ISD, goes over the key components that you need to address to do so on Sept. 22 at Quinta Mazatlan. To help you grow your “edible” garden for wildlife, the native nursery “Blue Mockingbird” will also be selling native plants to take home.

Williams became the first landscape habitat specialist for Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD in 2013. His land stewardship career spans over 20 years. Williams is passionate about creating gardens that connect young minds to the wonders of nature. His specialty is butterfly gardens where students can gain first-hand knowledge from an “outdoor living classroom.”

Any lawn, large or small can be turned into a wildlife habitat, because some habitat is better than none.  Adding native plants to a garden will assist in attracting a large variety of birds and butterflies.  Furthermore, the local wildlife is more familiar with native plants and will put them to good use for food and shelter. At a minimum, choose plants that are native to your state or country.

Come early to walk the trails and visit the nature gift store with a new stock of hummingbird feeders, bird shirts and more.

Tickets are available online at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com for $3.