Education
There are a lot of opportunities for teachers to engage their students in nature classwork at our Birding Nature Center. Some of the classes that have been taught in the past include:
Younger students P-K through 2nd
Insects and Spiders – (lady bugs, butterflies) learn about, collect and release
Ponds- overview of pond eco-system, frog life cycle, food chain
Gardening- composting and working in the garden
3rd through 8th
Trees-Plants and Seeds- tree cookies, succession, and propagation of seeds
Birds- local backyard and seasonal migration
Ecology- The human element in the eco-system
Pond- secchi disc, plankton, and pond ecosystem.
Mammals- tracks, scat and food chains
Student Groups
Groups up to 60 students are allowed with at least 2 weeks prior notice.
Self-guided tours: $ 1.00 per person
Teachers must plan to Supervisor students while at Center.
Those interested in Educational Programs need to make reservations
EMAIL or call 979-245-3336
BIRDING
Bird Watching with Binoculars – A guide for watching birds with binoculars.
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory – The mission of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is the conservation of birds and their habitat in and around the Gulf of Mexico.
Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail – The Trail runs from the Louisiana border clear to Mexico. It stretches over five hundred miles along the coast and comprises more than three hundred separate sites.
Matagorda County Birding – Over 300 birding sites and rookeries in South Texas with detailed maps showing the locations.
Bird Watchers Digest – Publications that cater to the passions and curiosity of every kind of bird watcher – in the backyard and beyond.
Mad Island Bird Count 2015 – Spreadsheet with the results of the count
Mad Island Bird Count 2015 – Document with the highlights and includes photos
BUTTERFLIES
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) – By far, the largest group of people in North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico) interested in butterflies. It is a nonprofit membership organization working to increase public enjoyment and conservation of butterflies.
Garden Treasures – Where Do Butterflies Come from?
Kremp Florist – How to Make a Butterfly Garden
Fun Facts About Butterflies – Links to all manner of information on butterflies from fun facts to butterfly gardening and more.
Creating Pollinator Gardens – Flower Fragrances to Attract Pollinators
CONSERVANCY AND PARKS
Nature Conservancy in Texas – Main Nature Conservancy site.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park – A 1,600-acre park and preserve at the mouth of the Colorado River on the Matagorda Peninsula. LCRA developed the park to provide recreation, education, wetlands preservation and economic benefit to the region.
Texas Cooperative Extension – Extension offers practical, how-to education based on university research. It’s available to any resident of Texas.
Houston Audubon Society – The Houston Audubon Society (HAS) works for the thoughtful conservation of the earth’s natural resources by educating people to the value of the natural world; protecting, preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat; and encouraging the passage of legislation to protect the environment.