Meet the Creatures at our 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration
(Mission, TX) Meet the creatures that make South Texas so colorful and wonderful at the National Butterfly Center's FREE Earth Day celebration, Saturday, April 19, from 10 AM – 2 PM.
"We are delighted to present ‘Meet the Creatures’, again, this year,” states Marianna Trevino-Wright, Executive Director. “It’s important for people to understand the difference between animals that belong here, and animals that don’t, so we use Earth Day as special opportunity to give children and families up close and personal experiences with all kinds of wildlife. Some species, like the Texas Brown Tarantula, are native to the Rio Grande Valley and linked to a balanced ecosystem; while other species, like the Ball Python, are non-native and potentially destructive. We want people to appreciate both, but discourage support of the exotic pet trade and the introduction of non-natives to the landscape.”
Several non-native species have come to reside permanently at the National Butterfly Center, where they now play a leading role in environmental education programs. One of these creatures, named Styx, hails from Argentina and has the potential to grow to over 4 feet in length. Surrendered by his owners due to a move, this Tegu Lizard is considered a voracious eater and an invasive species that reproduces rapidly in the wild. Another NBC resident, Spike, is a 100 lb. African Spurred Tortoise, who was actually picked up by Mission Animal Control officers after he escaped from his backyard enclosure.
“We want people to have memorable and rewarding encounters with wildlife that support species conservation,” states Munoz. “That’s part of our mission and purpose. We hope close encounters with transplants, like Styx and Spike, increase awareness of special creatures in our region inspire people to protect our native species.”
In addition to butterflies and birds, the National Butterfly Center is home to an abundance of animals. The free ‘Meet the Creatures’ Earth Day event is the perfect occasion for everyone to come see why they say: You never know what you'll see at the NBC!
From tarantulas and horned toads, to Texas Indigoes and bobcats, a tremendous variety of insects, reptiles and mammals may be encountered in this 100 acre park, on any given day. For this reason, adults and children are invited to explore the gardens and hunt the Hackberry Trail, to discover the cool and creepy critters that inhabit this special section of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Conservation Corridor.
NBC staff will be on hand to introduce wildlife and lead guided tours of the gardens and trails. Join us for a wild scavenger hunt and photo safari, as well as arts & crafts. Outside food and beverage is always welcome, so don’t forget to pack a lunch and picnic under the palapa. As always, binoculars are highly recommended.
Get into the great outdoors, at the NBC! For more information, LIKE us on Facebook, or learn more about our Earth Day programs and schedule atwww.nationalbutterflycenter.org.
The National Butterfly Center is committed to 'Growing Connections' between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. We do this through educational and environmental initiatives that cultivating meaningful understanding of the processes that create sustainable ecosystems. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.
To learn more about the National Butterfly Center, and how you can join us, call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.
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