Autumn is hummingbird season in Texas, as thousands of these tiny creatures move through the state on their southward migration to Mexico and Central America.  Many Ruby-throats will travel 600 miles straight across the Gulf to the Yucatan Peninsula while others will fly around the edges of the Gulf to points in Mexico.  Join us Saturdays in September from 8:00 to 12:00 for our Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza.  You can watch hummingbird banding, adopt a hummingbird, browse the Nature Store, walk the nature trails, or buy a plant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.  Each Saturday, a different informative lecture will round out the festivities.  See the GCBO webpage for more details. We need some "gung ho" volunteers to help with this event.  If you are interested, contact Carol Jones.

Please join us in welcoming The Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, Texas, to GCBO's Site Partner Network. VNC's mission centers around habitat conservation through environmental education.  Approximately 6,000 students visit VNC each year and an additional 9,000 students are reached through in-school programs.  The main focus is to connect children with nature to create a bond that brings about long-term conservation. VNC is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays and offers walking trails, cactus and butterfly gardens, and a native plant nursery.  Check their website for hours and more information. When visiting the Lower Rio Grande Valley area, don't miss the Valley Nature Center for a rewarding and educational experience!

Wax Mallow (Malvaviscus arboreus drummondii), also known as Turk's Cap, is native to all the Gulf Coast states and Arkansas, Georgia, and South Carolina.  It is a perennial shrub, 2 to 3 feet tall, that produces bright red, hibiscus-like flowers from May through November.  It prefers partial shade but can be grown in full sun and can withstand drought.  In addition to providing a beautiful native addition to your garden, it attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies that feed on the flower nectar.  It can be grown from seed or softwood cuttings and is available from native plant nurseries.  We also have a plentiful supply at the GCBO Lake Jackson sanctuary.