SOUTH TEXAS Botanical Gardens & Nature Center NEWS • FALL 2019

Botanical Gardens ignites the FUN in fundraiser with new theme,entertainment, attire for MOONLIGHT in the TROPICS, October 11!

LIMITED special recognition UNDERWRITING SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!

Guests in colorful island shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals or flip-flops will be entertained by steel drums, a fire dancer and a new live band at MOONLIGHT in the TROPICS, beginning at 5:30 pm, Friday, October 11,

at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Drive. The 13th annual popular signature fundraiser, filling the Ortiz Center, benefits South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center environmental education programming.

The evening opens with silent auction and upper-end board auction, both bid-by-phone (assistance available); complimentary wine, beer and tropical beverages; and mixed drink cash bar. A tropical Patio Party fronting the ship channel features Jason’s Deli appetizers, another bar, and Mark Mireles playing his steel drums. The Botanical Gardens comes to the Port bringing colorful parrots for guest photos, a reptile “experience” and mesmerizing butterfly hut!

In the main hall, guests enter a garden-like atmosphere for Texas Roadhouse

steak dinners, desserts by the Dallas World Aquarium and Spectra at the Ortiz Center, and State Representative Todd Hunter continuing his emcee tradition, leading up to live main stage entertainment—popular five-piece Splendiferous, delivering rock and pop dance tunes spanning the decades. The starry night brings Splendiferous’ second set, and moonlit waterfront performance by fire dancer Stella Moon!

CITGO, Presenting Sponsor for the sixth year, is joined by other major sponsors Port of Corpus Christi, Texas Roadhouse, Vishal Raju Bhagat Foundation, Amanda and Ken Kellar, AEP Texas; plus Whataburger, NavyArmy CCU, Hicks Automotive Group, The John G. & Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation, H-E-B, Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots, Nelwyn Anderson, Dr. Mary Jane Garza and Tim Lange. Also American Bank, Bowen Enterprises, Valero Energy Foundation, and voestalpine. Heading up the event are Executive Director Michael Womack, and Table Sales Chair Gloria Hicks.

Souvenir PICTURES WITH PARROTS! Fire Dancer STELLA MOON!Main Stage Entertainment, SPLENDIFEROUS!

To book these high-profile sponsorships, contact Marketing Director MaryJane Crull, mjc@stxbot.org, 361-852-2100;or Event Chair, Executive Director Michael Womack, wmwomack@stxbot.org, 361-834-6413.

$3000 SPONSORSHIPS ~ party of 10Welcome Center Entry, Pre-Dinner Patio Party,Butterfly Hut, Tables/Table Linens, or Check-In System.

$2000 SPONSORSHIPS ~ party of 8Bartenders, Reptile Experience, Dining Assistants, Main Hall Décor, Audio Video, Stationery/Supplies.

CURRENT SPONSORS, Moon Table Sponsorships, Single Seating . . . PAGE 2

UNDERWRITING SPONSORS(Includes Preferred Table Seating)

FOOD & BEVERAGETexas Roadhouse

Amanda & Ken KellarVishal Raju Bhagat Foundation

Aransas-Corpus Christi PilotsNelwyn Anderson

Dr. Mary Jane GarzaJason’s Deli

Spectra at the Ortiz CenterDallas World Aquarium

McNamee Landscape NurseryENTERTAINMENT & FEATURES

WhataburgerNavyArmy Community Credit Union

Carlisle InsuranceFeathered Friends & Co.

Hollon Safe CompanyState Representative Todd Hunter

MAIN DINING & DANCE HALLPort of Corpus Christi

H-E-BAdler Family

Charlene & John ChesshirJune & Steve HerbstB.J. & Mike KershawSusan & Tom UtterESSENTIALS

AEP TexasHicks Automotive Group

The John G. & Marie StellaKenedy Foundation

Sterling PersonnelHarrison’s LandingPatty & Hank Nuss

SPECIAL THANKSLamar Outdoor Advertising

KIII Channel 3 • KRIS Channel 6 • KZTV Channel 10MDR Advertising • Branded by Web Designs

MOON TABLE SPONSORSNEW MOONAmeric an Bank

Bowen Enterprises, Ltd.Valero Energy Foundation

voestalpineBLUE MOON

Vishal Raju Bhagat FoundationCindy & Mike Boudloche

Carr, Riggs and Ingram CPAs and AdvisorsFancher & Company, CPAs

Frost BankDos & S amantha GatesGill Landsc ape Nurser y

Bob & Dr. Mar y Jane HamiltonAnnette & Mel Klein

Tim Lange (2)Linebarger Goggan Blair & S ampson

Drs. McIntyre, Garza & Assoc.McNamee Landsc apes & Nurser y

Debbie Noble & Bop PaulisonPettus Adver tising

Radiology & ImagingS usser Foundation

Texas A&M University- Corpus ChristiTexas A&M University-Kingsville

Betty & Lowell ThomasValueBank

Tom WimberlyMrs. Patsy Winn

Jay WiseTexas State Aquarium/USS Lexington Museum

STELLAR SUPPORTDove Thompson & Co. • IBC Bank

Cathy & Dave Skurow

HARVEST MOON 2 Tables of 8 $10,000FULL MOON 1 Table of 12 $ 5,000NEW MOON 1 Table of 10 $ 2,500BLUE MOON 1 Table of 8 $ 1,500

Single Seating • $150 • $125 Members INFO: www.stxbot.org

Sponsor Deadline for Program, Sept. 30ALL Reservations Required by Oct. 8

STILL TIME FOR RESERVATIONS!Call 361-852-2100 Today!

PresentingSponsor

5:30 pm, Friday, October 12Solomon P. Ortiz International Center402 Harbor Drive

RESERVATIONS BY October 7361-852-2100 Info: www.stxbot.org

EVENT COMMITTEES

BACK ROW: Michael Womack (center): CHAIRNan Bailey, Karen Easton: PATIOFRONT ROW: Melody Cooper, Marcus Lozano,Dr. Mary Jane Garza: AUCTIONS

MAIN HALL DÉCOR BACK: Gerry Heitcamp, Don Albrecht, Patty Nuss, June Herbst.FRONT: Manette Scanio, B.J. Kershaw, Charlene Chesshir

LOGISTICSAlex Garcia, Randy Sijansky, Denise Housler, Paul Parr, Larry Lysinger

Kelley Shutt, Dedra Benedict, Marcus Pacheco

PARROT PHOTOS & REPTILE EXPERIENCE

ADMINISTRATIONMaryJane Crull • Kathie Waid

Yvette Lara(Sponsors confirmed at print deadline)

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I f you’ve shied away from visiting the Botanical Gardens due to road construction, it’s time to return—you just may not recognize your surroundings due to many positive changes! Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and contractor Bay,

Ltd. began construction June, 2016. The approximately $28,500,000 million project included widening to five lanes from Oso Creek Bridge west to TX286; building a second bridge to raise roadway prone to flooding; trading grass-lined ditches for underground drainage, curb, gutter and sidewalks; signal lights at Oso Parkway / Staples, Country Creek / Staples, and TX286 /Staples.

The Botanical Gardens driveway is now concrete, widened to 36 feet, with separate right and left-turn exit lanes. A right turn bay west-bound was added, making it safe to slow down for our entrance. The center left lane gives drivers coming from the west, a safe place to wait out on-coming traffic.

Although you should keep your eyes on the road, the higher roadway allows beautiful views of Gator Lake coming across the bridge extension. Underground drainage on our side of Staples carries more water from fields to the west, and the other side of Staples, directly into Gator Lake, ideal for wildlife. Finally, three sets of signal lights create breaks in cross-traffic when leaving the Gardens, especially at closing.

TxDOT and Bay, Ltd. personnel have been extremely cooperative resolving issues affecting the Gardens both during and post-project. We extend special thanks to Bay, Ltd. project superintendents Scott Bliss, and Bruce Kowalik, who also supervised Bay crews reconstructing our parking areas in 2017; TxDOT Project Manager Eric Martinez, PE; TxDOT Consultant Ryan Burch, PE, Construction Manager for SAM-CS Construction Services; District 32 State Representative Todd Hunter, and his District Director, Gaye White. m

( Photos: Debbie Noble, Andy Le)

South Staples/FM2444 five-lane widening complete! country road to metro street

CITGO is Fueling Good Thingsin South Texas Communities

CITGO is committed to safeguarding the environment we all share—for today and generations to come. Besides numerous employee-driven environmental efforts here in Corpus Christi, we invest in long-term programs dedicated to the promotion of energy efficiency and restoration of natural habitats.

citgocorpuschristi.com© 2017 CITGO Petroleum Corporation

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It all begins November 9, when Botanical Gardens members may start shopping at 20 per cent off in Joan Batman Nature’s Boutique gift shop! All your favorites, plus a generous selection of new

merchandise and books are being ordered now! This year, shop at sale prices substantially ahead of Thanksgiving.

Be sure to update your membership if needed—or purchase one if not a member, which can be done in the Visitors Center, by mailing in the form in this newsletter with your payment, or on-line, www.stxbot.org.

Many shoppers find all their gift needs right in Nature’s Boutique—unique gift ideas in a relaxed intimate setting, with reasonable prices—plus 20 per cent off, except already marked-down sale items. November 9 through December 31, closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. A great shopping place for Thanksgiving guests they won’t find at home!

BIG, live, lighted Frasier Fir again will be centerpieceRemember the beautiful huge, lighted, live holiday tree last year on the grounds? A similar tree, again donated by board member Joyce Barnette, will be our holiday centerpiece, along with other light displays and decorated trees! Two delightful weekends when trees, lights, parrots, iguanas, tortoises, kids holiday crafts, storytelling, and music will surround Santa Claus, Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8; December 14 and 15. Except for some special activities with Santa, all will be included in general admission! Watch our website, and social media for exact schedules. m

Last year, visitors asked for longer hours to enjoy light displays. Their wishes will be granted, Fridays and Saturdays, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the Gardens & Nature Center will remain open until 7 pm, November 29-December 28.

We’re planning holiday events now; Members’ gift shop sale, ‘HOLLY DAYS’ return— along with Santa, big tree!

Gardens extending holiday hours

for lighting displays!

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David Allen Sibley, author and illustrator, world's leading authority on birds and birding

Birdiest Festival in America, April 22-26,features nationally-known key-note speaker !

The Sibley Guide to Birds contains more than 6,600 original illustrations by Sibley, now recognized as America’s leading ornithologist/illustrator. He is the preeminent brand in American birding, and everywhere he goes, hundreds of fellow birders come out for his inventive presentations and lectures.

The Sibley Guide to Birds became the fastest-selling bird book in history, earning him the press moniker “the Beatle of birding”. Stories about Sibley have run in The New York Times, Audubon, Time, and Science, and he has appeared on ABC World News Tonight, NPR’s Science Friday and The Connection. Sibley has been called heir apparent to John James Audubon and Roger Tory Peterson, with his long-awaited guidebook becoming the gold standard for bird identification.

Used by millions of birders, from novices to most expert, The Sibley Guide is now the standard by which natural history guides are measured. The second edition (published in March, 2014) builds on this foundation of excellence, offering massively expanded and updated information, new paintings, new and rare species, and elegant new design.

PREVIEW

THE

Preparing for its fourth year, Corpus Christi’s BIRDIEST FESTIVAL IN AMERICA—during spring migration in perhaps North America’s busiest flyway—has become a popular, established event! In 2019, it grew to five days, 160 registered birders

(a 32% increase) from 16 states, more than 100 attending the opening Texas barbecue dinner, 286 different sighted species, 14 different field trips including world-famous King Ranch, four photo workshops, 11 expert presentations, and eight new “150 Club” members—plus a continuous local birding video running in the Visitors Center! Plans for 2020 include more new field trips to additional ranches, surrounding Gulf Coast and nature areas; plus local partnering organizations. Tentative $35 basic registration includes three presentations, Trade Show, “Raptor Project,” Saturday Artisan Market & Family Day, five days admission to Botanical Gardens. Extra fees for field trips/workshops, added presentations, opening dinner. Registration is set to go live December 1, 2019, at www.birdiestfestival.org. For sponsorship information, contact South Texas Botanical Gardens Executive Director, Dr. Michael Womack, 361-852-2100, wmwomack@stxbot.org. m

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PARKING REBUILDHugh DobsonJoyce BarnettePatty & Hank NussEarl C. Sams FoundationMims Family, memory of Ray MimsValero Energy FoundationSusan & Tom UtterBay, Ltd.

PARKING LIGHTINGAEP TexasNelwyn AndersonSue & Bob BecquetCindy & Mike BoudlocheDiane & John LaRue

VISITORS CENTERWhataburgerPatty & Hank NussDr. Gaylord & Susan HoytB.J. & Mike KershawAntiques & Flowers Garden ClubGerry & Harlan HeitkampKatherine Ingram

IN-KIND DONORSLura & Tom DietzeAquaria Services, Inc.D&C Fence CompanyConreco, Inc. Mark JonesCarl Crull, PESonrisa Construction

Interior Gateway Project done; street signage and landscape remains!

The interior portion of the Gateway Project, which began with parking lot lighting and reconstruction, is finished,

including the Whataburger Gazebo, Nuss fountain, attractive new concrete work and landscape. Visitors love the impressive new look approaching the Visitors Center, bronze aluminum fencing and gates, shaded seating to enjoy the unique fountain, palms donated by Lura and Tom Dietze, and colorful landscape—all making this not only “gateway” to the Visitors Center, but also perfect rental option for small, after-hours weddings and various receptions.

The project began in 2015 when overhead lighting was installed in the parking areas, making the Gardens & Nature Center safer and more useable after dark. In 2017, S. Staples contractor Bay, Ltd. also rebuilt the entrance and parking areas, including remedies for drainage issues, wheel stops, moving and improving handicap parking, with funding led by board members Hugh Dobson and Joyce Barnette.

Redesigning the Visitors Center entrance became urgent after 2017’s Hurricane Harvey forced removal of the arbor, fencing; redoing hardscape and landscape, continuing into 2019. A surprise project addition turned up after rains revealed a leaking metal Visitors Center roof, replaced by donors Dr. Gaylord & Susan Hoyt.

With S. Staples St. construction complete, new exterior landscape and signage—including a soon-to-be-announced new logo—will be added. When budget allows, the maintenance and bus parking areas will be resurfaced, along with repairing remaining wood fence stabilization from Hurricane Harvey.

The Botanical Gardens thanks Gateway Committee Chair, and board vice-president, Shirley Mims, for uncountable hours of planning and coordination of all phases of our new front door! Additional donors are being sought for specific parts of the Gateway Project (financed through a loan), which would have donor recognition, for example aluminum fencing, decorative hardscape, entrance arbor, etc. For more information, contact Executive Director Dr. Michael Womack for details. wmwomack@stxbot.org, 361-834-6413. m

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A generous $25,000 grant from the Ed Rachal Foundation will weatherproof and renovate the former “hoop” greenhouse, adding

concrete flooring, stage, bench-seating, heat, lighting and fans—creating the Parrot Hut! Aging polyethylene plastic sheeting will be replaced by corrugated polycarbonate sheets, providing a solid roof. Parrot Hut will house animal education during camps, public and private animal interactions, birthday parties, as well as animal

Parrot Hut planned to be open by winter; funded by Ed Rachal Foundation

Recent additions, African Grey parrots Buddy and Maxwell, adapting to new Botanical Gardens home

Educator Extravaganza held at Botanical Gardens September 12

training, and cold weather shelter, rather than in the Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory, allowing winter Parrot Talk shows.

“Matching” its own grant, the Foundation also donated another $25,000 for general operations. As principal funder for both the Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory, and Adeline’s Support Greenhouse, the Ed Rachal Foundation is one of the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center’s consistent lead supporters.m

The Botanical Gardens welcomed African Grey parrots Buddy and Maxwell this summer, outstanding additions to our tropical parrot collection. Maxwell is 19 years old, Buddy, 12.Used to a quiet indoor environment, they began acclimation in a spare Administrative Building office, then

alternated time between air-conditioned space, and outdoor heat on the shaded wood deck—all with regular visits, feedings and TLC from Animal Care staff or volunteers. After passing “physicals”, Buddy & Max moved to the exhibit side, to grow accustomed to other birds, and an eventual enclosure of their own.

African Greys are believed to be some of the most intelligent parrots, known for their vocal abilities. Maxwell and Buddy are not disappointing! Animal Care is in early stages of training and getting to know these two beauties, who don’t mind posing for photos, as they did here for volunteer Wallie Colley. African Greys generally have bright red tails, intelligent orange or yellow eyes, and a stunning scalloped pattern to its silvery-grey plumage. m

Even after a rainy week, the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center welcomed 150 K-12 teachers from Coastal Bend Districts and home schools,

Thursday evening, September 12, meeting representatives from area non-profit facilities who can help educators “get kids outside” classrooms and homes, with scheduled field trips to their educational sites.

BUDDYMAXWELL

Urging teachers and parents to “help youth explore nearby activities, green spaces, nature centers and parks” on field trips, event sponsors were Coastal Bend Children in Nature, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, and H-E-B. Non-profits on hand to “educate the educators” about bringing more children to their varied facilities included:

Adopt A BeachArt Center of Corpus ChristiAransas National Wildlife RefugeAsian Cultures MuseumCity of Port Aransas Nature PreserveCoastal Bend Bays & Estuaries ProgramEducation Service Center Region 2

Goose Island State ParkGROW South Texas GULF ReachKing RanchNatural GrocersOso Bay Wetland PreservePadre Island Natural Seashore

S outh Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceT exas Master Naturalists- South Texas Chapter

Texas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentTexas State Aquarium

U niversity of Texas Marine Science Institute

Welder Wildlife FoundationWildlife in Focus

ADOPT-A-BEACH STBG’s IVAN THE IGUANA GOOSE ISLAND STATE PARK

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D I S C O V E R T H E B E N E F I T S O F

Gardens Membership• MEMBERSHIP FORM •

(ON-LINE MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.STXBOT.ORG)

Free General Admission (12 months) American Horticulture Society

RECIPROCAL ADMISSION PROGRAM FREE admission to 325 Gardens in US www.ahsgardening.org/rap

10% Discount at: Turner’s Gardenland Bay Area Landscape(with valid STBGNC Member Card & ID)(excludes labor, sale items) Feathered Friends & Co. (excludes birds, sale items)

Better Homes & Gardens ORMartha Stewart Living magazine(from American Public Gardens Association)

10% Discount at Nature’s Boutique 10% Discount at BIG BLOOM Plant Sale Free Classes & Kids Camp Discounts

(most Saturday seminars free for members) Newsletter ■ Event Invitations ■ Window Decal

Renewal New Member

Membership Categor y MARK SELEC TION

Individual $ 35 Couple * $ 50 Family * $ 75 Grandparent ** $ 75 Sustaining ( Family or GP + 2 guests ) $ 100 Supporting ( Family or GP + 4 guests ) $ 250 Patron ( Family or GP + 6 guests ) $ 500 Benefactor ( Family or GP +10 guests ) $ 1000

* ( Couple, Family: Must be Same Household ) ** ( Grandparents: Includes grandchildren under age 18 ) ( Age 60 + /Active Military may take 10% off

the membership level of their choice )

Member Information PLEASE PRINT

Names (s)

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (s)

E-Mail Address

Amt $ Cash Ck#

MC Visa Discover

Acct #

Name on Acct

Expiration 3 Digit Security Code

SignaturePLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature CenterMAIL THIS FORM TO

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center8545 S. Staples ■ Corpus Christi, Texas 78413

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dr. Michael Womack

Grants, Corporate Giving,Other Donations,Education, Horticulture,Scout Projects, Speaking Engagements,wmwomack@stxbot.org361-852-2100, Ext. 224

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORMaryJane Crull

Media, Promotion,Advertising,Website, Newsletter,mjc@stxbot.org361-852-2100, Ext. 232

EDUCATION COORDINATORBrenda Ermis

Tour Information, Tour Reservations,Youth Education, Junior Volunteers Program,Summer Camp Info,Docent Volunteer Guidesbrendae@stxbot.org361-852-2100, Ext. 223

OFFICE MANAGERKathie Waid

Rental Bookings,Accts. Receivable/Payable,Indoor Volunteers,Registrations,External Auction Donationskathie@stxbot.org361-852-2100, Ext. 225

PARROTS / REPTILESDedra Benedict, Kelley Shutt, Marcus Pacheco

Outreach Programs,Animal Volunteers,Animal Sponsorships,‘Parrot Talk’, ‘Reptile Rapport’dedrab@stxbot.orgmarcusp@stxbot.orgkelleys@stxbot.org 361-852-2100, Ext. 233

HORTICULTURIST Carol Krank

Horticulture/Landscape,Outdoor Volunteers,Community Service,carolk@stxbot.org361-852-2100, Ext. 231

FACILITIES DIRECTORLarry Lysinger

Construction Contactlarryl@stxbot.org361-533-1316

K E Y C O N T A C T S

When ordering plants for landscape projects, we sometimes end up with extras, usually put in the SALE AREA, next to the Visitors Center. The Carroll High School NJROTC (below) helped reorganize, beautify, and lay rock to soak up watering run-off in our sale area. If your NJROTC unit needs work projects, contact Facilities Director, Larry Lysinger, 361-533-1316.

Download on your phone or tablet from your favorite app store and you can receive notices of your next trash /recycle pick-up

along with your brush schedule.

Have you triedthe My Waste app?

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I f P r e - R e g i s t r a t i o n R e q u i r e d , c a l l 3 6 1 . 8 5 2 . 2 1 0 0 .UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATIONK E Y C O N T A C T S

ONGOING Events: REPTILE RAPPORT, PARROT TALK South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center has expanded its weekend “animal interaction” programming for guests! Popular “Parrot Talk,” sponsored by FEATHERED FRIENDS & CO., at 1:30 pm, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, has been joined by “Reptile Rapport,” sponsored by TROPICAL FISH HAVEN, at 10:30 am, Saturdays and Sundays. Both are presented by Animal Care staff and volunteers, and are included in general admission. During “Reptile Rapport,” visitors will learn about different tortoise, lizards and other reptiles, and have a chance to feed them. “Parrot Talk,” features a 20-minute informal discussion, including what it is like having parrots as pets, plus visitor interaction and opportunities for photos. Ask at Visitors Center for show locations, which vary with weather. The Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is open 9 am to 6 pm daily, except Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25, 361-852-2100, www.stxbot.org.ONGOING Class: ORCHIDOLOGY 1st Thursday of each month, 7 pm, Education Station On-going Orchid monthly class series and information exchange, for novice to experienced growers, led by our expert orchid volunteers, in the Education Station classroom. Monthly topics range from different orchid genera to specific orchid culture techniques. FREE for all orchid lovers!

Unless otherwise specified, CLASS FEES are:(1) included in General Admission (2) Free for Members (3) $5 per person, class

only. With exception of evening classes, check in at Visitors Center for class location.

PREPARING FOR MONARCH MIGRATION Saturday, October 5, 10:30 -11:30 am. Texas Master Naturalist and Nueces Master Gardener Rosemary Plank discusses upcoming annual Monarch butterfly migration, giving practical gardening tips to help them complete their journey to Mexico, as well as more about threats to this beautiful creature—also the state insect of Texas—which we should protect for future generations. SPECIAL EVENT: MOONLIGHT IN THE TROPICS FUNDRAISER Friday, October 11, Beginning at 5:30 pm, Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Drive. Botanical Gardens signature fundraiser, with Sponsorship Tables, Individual Seating. Beautiful patio party on the water, with appetizers and drinks; silent auction outbidding friends; superb steak dinner & dessert; dancing through the night. Entertainment includes steel drums and Fire Dancer on the patio, Pictures with Parrots, Butterfly Hut & Reptile experiences. Attire is colorful casual-tropical, sandals, flip-flops. Reservations required. Information, 361-852-2100. Presenting Sponsor: CITGO, Corpus Christi Refinery. (see article, pp 1-3)FALL CLEANUP AND COMPOSTING Saturday, October 19, 10:30 -11:30 am.Master Composter and Nueces Master Gardener Deb Holliday talks about fall garden chores to spruce up your yard for the cooler months, also discussing ways to recycle yard clippings in a home compost pile, generating valuable humus for your garden while reducing waste sent to our landfills. HERBAL HOLIDAY COOKING Saturday, October 26, 10:30 -11:30 am. Cindy Meredith of The Herb Cottage in Hallettsville, and Aransas/San Patricio Master Gardener Linda Collins and their fellow “herbies” share their favorite herbs for holiday cooking, plus recipes for truly memorable meal holiday meals.SPECIAL EVENT: BOTANICAL GARDENS 2-DOLLAR DAY! Saturday, November 2, 9 am - 6pm. Before the Plumeria are tucked away for winter, while tropicals are in top form, while butterflies are in abundance, everyone can visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center—enjoying the FLORA, FAUNA AND FUN—for just $2 per person! See the Rose Garden, Orchid Conservatory, Bromeliad Conservatory, ‘artful’ Sensory Garden . . . meet Resident Reptiles and exotic parrots, REPTILE RAPPORT, PARROT TALK, enjoy a BUTTERFLY RELEASE in the Butterfly House, explore trails and wetlands, shop Nature’s Boutique. Sponsored by: PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI.MEMBERS HOLIDAY SALE! Joan Batman Nature’s BoutiqueSaturday, November 9 through Tuesday, December 31. All your favorites, and generous selection of new merchandise and books—all 20% off for members. Beat Black Friday, avoid Holiday shopping crowds, find unique merchandise in relaxed, intimate setting with reasonable prices! NOT A MEMBER???? Purchase your membership before you shop. GIFT MEMBERSHIPS make great gifts to enjoy all year. Open daily 9 am to 6 pm, CLOSED Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas. (see Holiday article, p. 4)WINTER PLANNING AND GARDEN PREPARATIONS Saturday, November 23, 10:30 -11:30 am. Retired nurseryman and Nueces Master Gardener Frank Eicholz, and Nueces Master Gardener Deb Holliday highlight several techniques to prepare yard and garden for colder weather—including protecting tropical, vegetables and herbs to extend growing season well into the winter, maybe even next spring.

SPECIAL EVENT: Holly-Days: at the Gardens Saturday & Sunday, December 7/8, 14/15.Two delightful weekends featuring a large, lighted Frazier Fir; another large tree in Rose Pavilion; pictures with parrots, iguanas, tortoises (depending on weather); Kids Holiday crafts and storytelling; music & carols while strolling the Gardens; all included in general admission, except special activities with Santa. (see Holiday article, p. 4)

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS ! ! ! ! Fridays and Saturdays,between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will remain open an extra hour, 9 am to 7 pm!

2020 WINTER LECTURES SERIES Wednesdays January 22 through Feburary 26, 10:00-11:00 amA variety of unique nature and horticulture topics, which define and explain our South Texas environment, for winter visitors, other travelers, residents. Enjoy new acquaintances, with a cup of coffee. Jan 22 Biblical Plants Rosemary Plank, Nueces Master Gardener /

Texas Master Naturalist. Jan 29 Scented Roses Gayenell Torgerson, Corpus Christi Rose Society Feb 5 Getting Ready for Purple Martin Migration Louise Chambers, Retired—Purple Martin

Conservation Association Feb 12 Selecting and Growing Citrus Ginger Easton-Smith, Aransas County Extension AgentFeb 19 Folklore of Texas Wildflowers Michael Womack, STBGNC Horticulturist & Exec. DirectorFeb 26 Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Rescues Amanda Terry, Texas Sealife Center

SPRING PRUNING & CLEANUP Saturday, February 1, 9:15 am –10:15 am.STBGNC Horticulturist Carol Krank will discuss pruning priorities for spring landscape cleanup, highlighting tools and timing for specific plants. Jan Shannon, and other experts from the Corpus Christi Rose Society will be pruning roses in our Rose Garden providing hands-on workshop opportunity for those wishing to learn rose pruning from our local rosarians. ABC’s OF SPRING VEGETABLE GARDENING Saturday, February 8, 9:15 am–10:15 am. Frank Eicholz, retired nurseryman & Nueces Master Gardener shares his life-time of gardening experiences on the best vegetable varieties, planting techniques, and how to head off potential problems in your spring vegetable garden to maximize your harvest. RECYCLE YOUR CLIPPINGS Saturday, February 22, 9:15 am –10:15 am.Melissa Zamora, Master Composter shares insights on how to take clippings from your spring garden clean-up and transform them into “Gardener’s Gold” to enrich your flower beds and vegetable gardens, while reducing waste going to our landfills. MAKING INFUSED OILS & VINEGARS Saturday, February 29, 9:15 am –10:15 am.Nueces Master Gardeners Jessica Latimer and Deb Holliday share techniques on creating your own infused vinegars and oils for use in flavorful cooking. Learn about which herbs, vegetables and fruits you can use and matching them to the proper oil or vinegar for best results. Samples will be available at this workshop. BRINGING NEW LIFE TO OLD LANDSCAPES Saturday, March 7, 9:15 am –10:15 am.Kathy Hubner, Landscape Designer at Gill Landscape Nursery will provide ideas from her years of experience of how to jazz up those old “mustache” landscapes to create a vibrant new look with curb appeal that will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. RAPTOR REHAB FROM TEXAS SEALIFE CENTER Saturday, March14, 9:15 am –10:15 am.Amanda Terry, Outreach Coordinator for Texas Sealife Center will discuss the challenges raptors face which sometimes result in injury. Meet one of their animal ambassadors and learn about ways to keep these beautiful animals safe, or what to do if you find an injured bird. SPRING BREAK, Daily Activities, March 7-15Students on break, spend a day at the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, touring and joining special activities:REPTILE RAPPORT daily 10:30-11:30 am. PARROT TALK, daily 1:30-2:30 pm.NATURE PLAY, about one hour, daily at 2:30 pm, creative thinking using natural building blocks like “tree cookies,” woodblocks, stones, other fun youth activities, to encourage self-guided outdoor play. ON YOUR OWN, explore nature trails, wetland boardwalk, wildlife blinds, floral conservatories, gardens, “Resident Reptiles,” Butterfly House, Monkey Mansion Tree House, more. General Admission covers all. KITCHEN HERBS Saturday, March 28, 9:15 am –10:15 am.Nueces Master Gardener Deb Holliday and her “herbie” compadres will provide insights into selecting and growing culinary herbs to spice up your recipes. Tastings of select dishes are also provided as they share ways to use herbs in your meals. SPECIAL EVENT: BIG BLOOM Plant Sale! Saturday, April 4, 9am-5pm “TWO-DOLLAR DAY!” (Members Early Entry 8-9am) Our spring garden festival and only Plant Sale of the year with super discounted admission of only $2/person! Kids activities, Orchid Sale, specialty vendors, butterfly releases in the Butterfly House, ladybug releases, reptile shows, Parrot Talk, food trucks and more . . . plant experts on site. Texas Master Naturalists—nature trail ‘walk and talk’ tours, kids ‘touch & learn’ tables in EcoFun Tent, and birding scopes on Wetlands Boardwalk. Buy a NEW membership at 10% off; get discounts on plants and Nature’s Boutique purchases. FLORA, FAUNA, affordable FAMILY FUN!

JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMSECOND SATURDAY each month, starting October 19, 9 am-3 pm. For ages 13-17.MUST ATTEND FIRST ORIENTATION MEETING.Cost $65/session (bring a friend $50 each if sign up at sign at same time)Learn about Animal Care, get hands on experience, also adding animal/nature career exploration with

guest speakers discussing future job opportunities. To reserve a space in any session, or more information, contact Brenda, 361-852-2100 x 223, or brendae@stxbot.org.

SPECIAL EVENT: BIRDIEST FESTIVAL IN AMERICA April 22-26, 9-6; Optional Field Trips Spotlighting South Texas peak spring migration, Corpus Christi’s BIRDIEST FESTIVAL IN AMERICA, is scheduled for April 22-26, 2020. Festival features optional guided birding field trips to regional birding hot spots, shorebird/wading bird sites, and private ranches; “The Raptor Project” presentations, vendor tradeshow, and lots of South Texas hospitality. NEW THIS YEAR: Keynote Speaker, Noted Birder, Author, and Illustrator David Sibley will share insights on migration on Friday, April 24th. Inaugural year (2017) had 246 species, with subsequent years (2018) spotting 257 species and (2019) 262 species, showing why Corpus Christi was named the “Birdiest City in North America” for a decade! Registration opens in December with $35 basic registration plus additional fees for add-on field trips and workshops. Visit www.birdiestfestival.org, or contact 361-852-2100. Presented By: FLINT HILLS RESOURCES. (see article, page 5)

ROSES, ROSE, ROSES Saturday, May 2, 9:15-10:15Jan Shannon and members of the Corpus Christi Rose Society will share insights into selecting roses, planting, fertilizing and pest control. Throughout the rest of the day, Rose Society will display examples of roses in a one-day rose show 10:15-6:00 p.m. .

SPECIAL EVENT: MOTHERS DAY FREE WEEKEND MOMS GET IN FREE! Saturday, Sunday, May 9-10. Celebrate Mothers’ Day Weekend with us! At Visitors Center Check-in, all a mother needs to say is “Moms Love Flowers!”, and she gets in free. Sorry, the rest of the family pays general admission. (Of course, members always get in free.) SPECIAL MOMS DAY DEAL: Buy Mom a membership this weekend, at 20% off for a year’s worth of free admission, Nature’s Boutique, nursery, BIG BLOOM and other discounts, national magazine subscription, plus 325 Reciprocal Gardens around the Country (www/ahsgardening.org/rap).

ORGANIC VS. EARTHKIND GARDENING Saturday, May 9, 9:15-10:15 Nueces Master Gardener/Texas Master Naturalist Carlos Valdez will provide insight of the similarities and differences of “organic” gardening and “EarthKind” gardening, helping you to see ways you can minimize negative impacts of pesticides and fertilizer as you strive to keep your garden and lawn in top shape.

NEST CHECKS: MARVELS OF MOMMA MARTINS Saturday, May 23, 9:15-10:15 Louise Chambers, retired biologist with Purple Martin Conservation Association will give guests an opportunity to peak at tiny purple martins recently hatched at the STBGNC colony, showing what it takes to mother these tiny, ravenous birds.

SUPER SUCCULENTS FOR PATIOS AND LANDSCAPE Saturday, May 30, 9:15-10:15 Nueces Master Gardener Kathie Fernandez will share with you her joys of growing unusual succulents and ways she has creatively displayed them to provide a wow factor for home visitors to enjoy.

SPECIAL EVENT: FATHERS’ DAY FREE WEEKEND Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21 Just say, “It’s Fathers’ Day,” and Dad gets in free Saturday & Sunday Fathers’ Day weekend! Be “buds” with Dad, enjoy REPTILE RAPPORT, sponsored by Tropical Fish Haven, at 10:30; PARROT TALK , sponsored by Feathered Friends & Co., at 1:30; gardens, resident reptiles, Gator Lake, trails, other guy stuff! Sorry only dads are free—all other non-members pay general admission!

CALL NOW FOR FALL YOUTH TOURS! Fall is an excellent time for school and other youth groups to visit the Gardens, with different flowers in bloom, plus fall bird and butterfly migrations beginning in late September. Call Ermis, or Kathie Waid, 361-852-2100, to schedule as soon as possible, as many tour dates already are filled.

CUSTOMIZED OUT-REACH PROGRAMS, PARTIES AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES—YOUR PLACE OR OURS!Ask us about CUSTOMIZED OUTREACH programs for year-round, private or home schools, youth groups, Pre-K through 12! Outreach or special educational entertainment also is available for children’s parties, here or off-site. Select your options: Parrot Project, Reptile Adventures, Butterfly Release, Nature Treasures, Plants plus Kids. Contact Brenda Ermis for details, pricing. Brendae@stxbot.org, 361-852-2100, x 223.

K I D S L E A R N I N G

Watch for youth activities, including summer camps, in the next Issue, and on our website, www.stxbot.org.

If Pre-Registration Required, call 361.852.2100. SHORT COURSES, SERIES include general admission.UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATION

HOMESCHOOL DAYS: FOURTH TUESDAY each month, 9:30-11:30amSPECIFICALLY-DESIGNED PROGRAMMING EACH MONTH!Youth Fee: $3, members; $5, non-members (youth ages 3 and up).

Chaperone/Parent Fee: Free for member/$5 for non-memberProgram numbers: 10 youth minimum/25 youth maximumMonthly Themes: October - Butterflies, November-Parrots, December- closed Christmas Eve.Reserve your spot now with Brenda, 361-852-2100, x 223, brendae@stxbot.org.

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CORPORATE M E M B E R S

$2,000CITGOFlint Hills Resources

$1,000Valero

$ 500B&J'S Pizza Branded by Web DesignsGill Landscape NurseryMDR AdvertisingSouthside Lions ClubVoss Engineering

$ 250Aquaria Services

$ 100Wildlife in Focus

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

C hristian & Adriana Garcia

Starr MitchellJennifer RecioGus RodriguezValerie RodriguezSolo PhotoAshlee StruchenLisa TorresEva VandermauseE leazar Villarreal III & Edge Hudiburg

Adam & Jennifer Weis

GRANTS, LARGE DONATIONSM ayor's Hurricane

Harvey Relief FundEd Rachal FoundationJoyce BarnetteB ehmann Brothers Foundation

CONTRIBUTIONSLouise ChambersK ona Ice of Coastal Corpus Christi

Rus Penland

IN-KIND DONATIONSGerard ElizondoC oastal Bend Food Bank

Peggy ShirleyAEP TexasH-E-BBruce BenedictMDR AdvertisingB randed by Web Design

P lumeria Society of South Texas

O rchid Conservatory Volunteers

N ueces Master GardenersT exas Master Naturalists South Texas Chapter

Lamar OutdoorKIII Ch 3KRIS Ch 6KZTV Ch 10

NEW ANIMAL SPONSORD eborah Hominick “Aladdin”

MEMORIALSM ildred Phillips

Shirley Mims

NEW MEMBERSPATRONJim SchuchardtSUSTAINING Tammy & Sam HarmsD ennis Peacock & Carolina Kight

C hristina & Lozaro Lopez

Carla & Ethan White

FAMILYBraxton & Dana BaileyC indy P Ruiz de Bettis & Adam G. Bettis

S amantha & Mariano Cervantes

H ayden & Jennifer Colby

A sha & Gayindria Collier

B arbara Szczerbinska & Russell Franques

M aydeli Quero & Ulises Gomez

T eresita & Reynaldo Gonzalez

A udra Caldwell & Brittany Hayden

J essica & Arnold Hinojosa

B radley & Maria Kinder

Shelby & Chris LarkinsJinliang & Daisy LiC asey & Cassandra Miller

W illiam & Jenna Piercey

Lauren PuglisiErika & Jon ReilyC lint & Margaret Rendall

Erin & Seth SchurtzB ritton Clement & Cory Starkie

J ohnathan & Phatcharapha Swiger

GRANDPARENTSIndira & Leo GarciaWendy & Steve GillisJ ohn Thomas & Krystie Kobos

P amela G & James M Minton

Ron & Ofelia Norrell

COUPLEW hitney Lance &

David CanalesVictoria Garay & Forest ClayToni & James DavisKarl & Vivian DirksmeyerB randon Rodriguez & Sandra Espericueta

Christopher & Adriana GarzaWayne & Melody GaymanEdith & Bert GonzalezAlexis & Fred HarborthWendy & James HillR ay Dillahunty & Leslie Hoekstra

D avid Kozowski & Jennifer Huber

Irma Garza & Sean KaeppelRobin Cohea & Laura KoddaAlexandria & Armando LugoS amantha Tyree & Steven Murawski

J ack DeForest & Myranda Ramirez

Greg & Kathy ReynarMaria RoblesG erard Elizondo & Jerome L Spanier

Marlane & Michael Young

INDIVIDUAL Caitlin AkinElsa AmaroShahnar AzaliAdel CasianoDr. Julie ChanclerTheresa (Terri) ClarkCheyenne GarciaSylvia A GonzalesIsaabel GonzalezCandy JamesCorina "Jeanette" JohnsonTaili Lawson-MeinizMary McCartyJen McColloughHelen T PetersCarol O RothFay SchlatherEmily Thompson

This logo, introduced in 2003, is nearly history! A new one, a year in the making, will be revealed at MOONLIGHT in the TROPICS, October 11. Watch for it to gradually appear on the website, next newsletter, letterhead, car decals, business cards, t-shirts, signage and gift shop items, as current supplies of stationery (etc) are depleted.

The new brand is bright, vibrant, eye-catching and modern, with new colors and lettering, representing both the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.

Thanks to MDR Advertising for many hours of design services; and several of our Board of Directors serving on the committee.

Are you in CONTACT with STBGNC?Want to know what’s happening between newsletters? If you aren’t receiving occasional e-blasts telling you of upcoming classes, events, or unfolding Botanical Gardens news, that means we don’t have your email address for our “Constant Contact” notices!

To be included, please send your current email address to:

membership@stxbot.org. (We promise ‘occasional’— this will not swamp your email!)

FOR EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

11

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1127

Corpus Christi, TX 78469 8545 S. Staples St. ■ Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 ■ 361.852.2100

OPEN DAILY, 9am - 6pm (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)8545 S. Staples St. • Corpus Christi Texas 78413 • 361-852-2100 • Fax 361-852-7875

FOLLOW US: www.stxbot.org • Facebook.com/stxbot • So Tx Botanical Gdns • SouthTexasBotanicalGardens

PUBLISHED BY: South Texas BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER • EDITOR: MaryJane Crull • PRINTED BY: GRUNWALD PRINTING COMPANY

I N S I D E:MOONLIGHT in the TROPICS 1,2,3

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION DONE! 3

HOLIDAY EVENT PLANS 4

BIRDIEST FESTIVAL PREVIEW! 5

GATEWAY INTERIOR FINISHED 6

PARROT HUT PLANNED 7

MEET NEW AFRICAN GREYS

EDUCATOR EXTRAVAGANZA

MEMBERSHIP FORM 8

HELP FROM NJROTC

CONTACT US

EVENTS / CLASSES / KIDS STUFF 9, 10

DONORS, NEW MEMBERS 11

2019 ANNUAL FUND Above

$1000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $25 Other ______________________________________________________________

Donor Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone (s) ____________________________________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________________________________

Check # ______________________ MasterCard Visa Discover # _________________________________________________ Exp _________________

Credit Card Billing Address (if different from above) Street _______________________________________________________________ Zip _________________

Signature of Cardholder ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date _______________________________

Please make checks payable to: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center 8545 S. Staples St. Corpus Christi Texas 78413

I prefer my donation going to Connecting Children with Nature

I prefer my donation going to Animal Ambassador Needs

No preference

THANK YOU

Our education and conservation mission isn’t just about plants anymore! It’s about children being drawn to nature, by both our flora and fauna. ‘Connecting Children with Nature,’ and our reptile and parrot collections—or Animal Ambassadors—work together to get kids outdoors, loving it for a lifetime!

Reflecting on 2019 thus far, it has been a good, but lean year for the South Texas Botanical Gardens. Our budget is approaching $1 million, as we expand school tours, outreach programs, classes, events, while maintaining ageing exhibits and

‘Connecting Children with Nature’, Animal Ambassador ProgramThis year’s joinsANNUAL FUNDinfrastructure, and trying to add new! Our Animal Ambassadors are entertainment magnets, but require daily food, staff care, veterinarians, plus enclosure maintenance.

As you make giving plans in the fourth quarter, please consider a generous year-end donation to the non-profit South Texas Botanical Gardens 2019 Annual Fund, helping bring more youth of all socio-economic backgrounds to the Gardens, as well as improving upon our Animal Ambassador program—which helps us pull youth of today into environmental education for tomorrow!