This summer, head out to the Wetlands and discover nature through our fun, interactive and hands on programs. Whether its family fun days, delicious outdoor cooking, wild nature walks, adventurous summer camps, or kids only overnights, there's something for everyone!

Summer Nature Camps

Parents, are you looking for something for your little ones to do this summer?  Why not send them to Nature Camp, where they will learn all about animals, plants, and our outdoor world! Kids will have a wonderful time exploring the outdoors, seeing animals up close, creating cool arts and craft, and learning to appreciate the environment.  All programs are grade level specific and activities are appropriate for the age group specified.  Fee includes snacks, materials, and supplies.  Lunch is not included and sack lunches are necessary for camps running until 2 or later.

Registration deadline is one week prior to camp.  Space is limited, so please register your children early!

 

Polliwogs Nature Camp

Ages: 4 to 5 (going into Kinder and 1st grade)

Dates: Tuesday, July 8th to Friday, July 11th

Time: 8 am to 12 pm

Fee: $8 per day Member child.  $10 per day non-Member child.

 

Eco-Explorers Nature Camp

Ages: 6 to 8 (going into 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade)

Dates: Tuesday, July 22nd to Friday, July 25th

Time: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (early drop off available at 8 am)

Fee: $12 per day Member child.  $15 per day non-Member child.

 

 Aquanuts Nature Camp

Ages: 9 - 12 (going into 5th, 6th and 7th grade)

Dates: Tuesday, June 17th to Friday, June 20th

Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (early drop off available at 8 am)

Fee: $15 per day Member child.  $18 per day non-Member child.

 

Leadership in Nature

Ages: 13 - 18 (8th grade and High School students)

Dates: August 4th to August 8th

Time: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Fee: $20 per day Member.  $25 per day non-Member.

ECISD Science Camp

Grade: Edinburg CISD Science GT students, Grades 4th & 5th 

Dates: June 9th - 13th and June 23rd - 27th

Time: 8:30 am to 11:30 pm

Fee: $35 per week or $7 per day.

Click HERE for Day Camp flyer.

 

Nature at Night! Overnight Camp-ins

Kids, come explore the wonders of night time!  During this overnight, EWBC staff will lead you and your friends through trail and pond exploration, where you can discover nocturnal creatures big and small. From frog calls to night moths to owls and other birds, there is a whole world to discover after dark!   Kids will be camping inside the EWBC interpretive Center.  Please bring sleeping bag and overnight personal gear, including dark clothing and flash lights.  Dinner and breakfast will be provided, but additional snacks are welcome.

Registration deadline is one week prior to camp-in.  Space is limited, so please register your early

 Nature at Night: Boys Only!

Ages:  10 to 12

Dates: Thursday, July17th to Friday July 18th

Time:  6 pm (Thursday) to 9 am (Friday) 

Fee:  $25 member, $30 non-member

 

Nature at Night: Girl’s Only!

Ages:  9 to 11

Dates: Thursday, July 31st to Friday, August 1st

Time:  6 pm (Thursday) to 9 am (Friday) 

Fee:  $25 member, $30 non-member

Outdoor Cooking Series

 This summer, let EWBC staff show you the joys of outdoor cooking, chuck wagon style!  Each month, we will showcase a different menu, using Dutch Ovens and other outdoor cooking gear.  During the presentation, we will also show you how to use and maintain your equipment, prepare food outdoors, and teach basic outdoor cooking skills.  After watching our staff prepare the mouthwatering cuisine, you will be invited to taste the different items.  Refreshing (non-alcoholic) beverages are also included.

 

Saturday, June 21st:  Pan de Campo and Corn Bread

Saturday, July 19th: Cabrito & Game

Saturday, August 16th: Cobblers, Cookies and Muffins

 

Time:  11 am to 12 pm

Fee:  $5 for adults.  $2 per youth, 10 and up

Restrictions:  For their safety, children under 10 are not allowed to participate.

Registration:  Required. Please call at least two days in advance.

 

Summer Nature Explorations

 Join the EWBC naturalist for wildlife observations and tours.  Each day offers amazing sightings of animals that inhabit our gardens and wetlands.  Binoculars, scopes and field guides are provided. To book a tour, please register at least two days in advanced.

  

Guided Bird Tour

DATE: Varies.  Call Ahead for Schedule

TIME: 8:30 am to 10 am

FEE:  FREE with Admission or Membership

 

Deck Observations at the North Lake

DATE: Every Friday & Saturday

TIME: 5:30 pm to 6 pm

FEE:  FREE with Admission or Membership

 

Evening Critter Walk

            DATE: Last Friday of the month

            TIME: 7 pm to 9 pm

            FEE:  Members free.  $3 per adult and $1 per child for non-members

 

 

“Friday Night with a Naturalist” Series

 Families, join us for wonderful presentations this summer by some of the valley’s best naturalists and nature enthusiasts!  On the first Friday of every month, EWBC invites different speakers to share their knowledge of birds, butterflies, plants and more!  Program and admission are FREE!  Reservations are required.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and presentations are from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Upcoming Programs:

June & July:  No programs

August 1: Community Gardens

 

 

Family Fun Day!

This summer, EWBC has a new nature series just for families! From little kids to “kids at heart”, this is your chance to have fun with your kids while exploring the many joys of nature! Reservations required at least TWO days in advance.

 

Dip netting

Saturday, June 7

10 am to 11:30 am

FEE:  $5 for Member Family. $7 per non-Member family

Restrictions: One adult for every three children, ages 12 and under. Up to eight per family.

 Explore the ponds of EWBC and discover some of the wonderful critters that live underneath!  With guidance for our staff, you and your children will use nets to catch tadpoles, fish, dragonfly nymphs, water boatman and a host of other pond insects, all while learning about their importance in the environment.  Fun for the whole family, and a blast for kids, this is the best way to see cool critters up close! 

 

Solar Cooking

Saturday, July 5

11 am to 1 pm

FEE:  $5 for Member Family. $7 per non-Member family

Restrictions: One adult for every three children, ages 12 and under. Up to eight per family.

 Take an afternoon and learn how to cook with the sun. EWBC staff will show you the ins and outs of solar cooking using an easy to make outdoor oven and other tools. Sample food, drink cool beverages, and expand your outdoor cooking knowledge! Space is limited, so please register early.

 

 Pressing Plants & Flowers

Saturday, August 2

10 am to 11:30 am

FEE:  $5 for Member Family. $7 per non-Member family

Restrictions: One adult for every three children, ages 12 and under. Up to eight per family.

 Summer abounds with beautiful flowers and plants! Learn how to make your own plant press and create beautiful crafts using these summer blooms. EWBC staff will show you and your children how to make a basic plant press using a few simple items, while getting you started on your first project.  Materials for the press are included in the fee. One press for family.

 

FREE SUMMER SATURDAYS

 

On the last Saturday of the month through the summer, EWBC will open its doors for FREE to the general public.  If you have not been into our beautiful center, this is your chance to check us out.  Binoculars are available free of charge, with a driver’s license. Free entry does not include fee for concurring programs and activities.

Saturdays, June 28th, July 26th, August 30th

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fee: FREE ALL DAY

 

Kids’ Birding Club

 Kids, do you like birds? If so, this is the club for you! EWBC has a birding club just for kids. Join the staff naturalist as you explore different bird habitats, practice birding skills and learn about the amazing birds that live in South Texas.  Kids ages 5 to 14 are welcome along with their parents.

 

SPRING SCHEDULE

Events are from 9:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m.

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June 14

Journal Writing

Fee: Member’s Free, $2.00 Non-member

July 12

Valley Nature Center Field Trip

Fee: $3 Member, $6 Non-Member

July 26

Bird Behavior

Fee: Member’s Free, $2.00 Non-member

August 9

Bird Flights

Fee: Member’s Free, $2.00 Non-member

August 23

Birds & Weather

Fee: Member’s Free, $2.00 Non-member

 

Just For Scouts

Our programming will help your Scout complete badge or patch requirements.

 

Junior Girl Scouts : “Outdoor Surroundings”

Wednesday, June 25th

9 am – 11 am

Fee: $4/scout

 

Tiger/Wolf Cub Scouts: “Sharing Your World with Wildlife”

Wednesday, July 30th

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Fee: $6/scout