During October, the Center for Urban Ecology (CUE) at Quinta Mazatlán celebrates native plants! Enjoy educational events, the annual Planta Nativa Social, Native Plant Sales, a Native Plant Giveaway, and the creation of a Tiny Forest at the McAllen Library to create a habitat for birds, butterflies, and all wildlife.
The Rio Grande Valley is home to more than 1,200 native plants that provide habitat for wildlife. Colleen Hook, Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlán, shares, “Native plants provide economic benefits for cities by helping to grow the business of ecotourism—encouraging visitors from around the world to visit our beautiful region.” Hook continues, “Nature also benefits our mental health, making us happier and healthier.”
Check out the October programs at Quinta Mazatlán! On Thursdays, there will be a series of talks, including “Plants of the RGV” by John Brush, “Foraging & Ethnobotany” by Catarina Miranda, and “Plants for Wildlife” by the RGV Pollinator Project. On Saturdays, there will be morning Garden Tours and STEM Stops for Kids throughout the day.
Join us for the special Planta Nativa Social Thursday, October 24th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm. Admission is $7 per person if purchased online. Come and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, visit the marketplace, participate in the native plant sale and giveaway, browse through educational booths, peruse student research papers, listen to live music, and savor delicious food and spirits. The 2024 Keynote will showcase five leaders in “growing solutions” for people and wildlife. Meet Joey Santore, YouTube Botany Star; Christine Ten Eyck, founder of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects; Bill Green of Texas A&M Forest Service; Mylen Arias of American Forests; and John Brush, the McAllen Urban Ecologist at Quinta Mazatlán.
October is a great month for gardening as the days are cooler. Connect and learn about native plants this month by planting a native garden, attending an event, getting inspired by speakers, and taking the family for a walk-in the woods at Quinta Mazatlan. Tickets for programs and events can be purchased online at quintamazatlanticketleap.com. For more information, contact (956) 681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media.
