Quinta Mazatlan kicks off Native Plant Month in Texas on Oct. 6 with a native plant sale and Mike Heep’s presentation, “Landscaping with Native Plants.” Heep will focus on a wide variety of the Rio Grande Valley’s native plants and information on how to diversify your garden with local specialties that help sustain the ecological and biodiversity of the region. South Texas native plants are the ecological basis upon which…
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…
When the sun goes down, the moths come out at Quinta Mazatlan. Join them for a special glimpse into the world of nocturnal insects on July 23 from 9 p.m. to midnight. A dimly lit trail will guide the guests through the Thorn Forest trails at Quinta Mazatlan to special Mothing Stations with knowledgeable naturalists. Guests should expect to see spiders, scorpions, frogs, toads, beetles and more. McAllen’s Urban Ecologist…
Meet animals up close and learn more about them on July 21 for a bilingual demonstration by Contacto Animal at Quinta Mazatlán. Find out why all animals are important, including scorpions, tarantulas, toads, lizards, snakes and more. Presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the park. Alejandro Millan, director of Contacto Animal, will talk about the unique traits and natural abilities of the animals. Alejandro was born in Mexico City, and…
Quinta Mazatlán and the Valley Land Fund are hosting the Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest through Aug. 1. The annual contest encourages children ages 5 to 18 to take notice and act to protect the beauty of nature in the Rio Grande Valley. Between now and Aug. 1, children from 5 to 18 can submit up to six nature photographs taken only in the Rio Grande Valley. Photos can…
Gladys Porter Zoo presents live reptiles at Quinta Mazatlan on July 7 with an up-close learning experience. The Gladys Porter Zoo focuses on conservation, education, recreation and also serves as a wildlife rehabilitation center. Public outreach is an important aspect of the zoo’s overall mission and is a primary responsibility for Jaime Zepeda. Zepeda will present several species of reptiles, turtles, snakes and even an alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Attendees will…
Magician Oscar Munoz visits Quinta Mazatlan for its Thursday Night Live on June 30. Munoz is an illusionist and motivational speaker, offering quality programs that are both educational and entertaining. His programs contain magic, music and educational messages for kids of all ages. Every presentation is created to motivate, energize and entertain. Munoz combines motivational themes with his award-winning stage act. Muñoz possesses a doctorate in magic from the FFFF…
Take the opportunity to learn and explore at a live animal show on June 16th at Quinta Mazatlán. The interactive and bilingual demonstration by Contacto Animal USA features all kinds of animals from parrots, lizards, snakes and frogs. Alejandro Millan, director of Contacto Animal, will talk about the unique traits and natural abilities of the animals. Millan was born in Mexico City; he discovered his love and passions towards animals…
The City of McAllen Planning Department celebrates World Heritage Day April 18 with a free virtual session featuring local speakers who will be presenting on various topics highlighting the importance of and economic impact of preserving historic landmarks in McAllen. The session takes place from 9-10 a.m. and is open to the public. The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, is an international observance…
A walk into Quinta Mazatlan takes patrons into a visual and architectural history of McAllen. It was on this 80-acre site over eight decades ago that adventurer and writer Jason Chilton Matthews built one of the larger adobe homes in Texas. The 10,000-square-foot home stands tall today with a regal dignity overlooking an estate of lush green habitat. Quinta Mazatlan is one part an architectural wonder in how the Spanish…