FALL 2017 HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS

• NEW “warp speed” pre-authorized credit card registration• Traditional complimentary Stellar Spirits wine/beer/margarita bars• NEW “Lightning Launch” Mixed Drinks cash bar• Huge Starlight Silent Auction, “high flying” Grand Galaxy Auction• Pictures with Parrots, and Wine Pull, new 2016

• Aphrodite’s Patio Party on the water, with Astronomical Appetizers, Stellar Spirits, and song duo Clarissa Serna & Matthew Krebbs• Texas Roadhouse, Jason’s Deli, Spectra at the Ortiz Center

pleasing palates• NEW Selfie Sticks on dinner tables• NEW beautiful “Butterfly” Release, featuring Corpus Christi Ballet• NEW very short, very sweet “Lunar Live Auction”• Nep-tunes by Flashback—hottest band, favorite decades of pop,

rock hits!• NEW clever “Galactic Garden Gifts” waiting in your valeted Space Vehicle!

A fter Vulcan Valet stows your transport, complimentary wine, margaritas and beers, a cash mixed drinks bar, and Astronomical Appetizers begin the signature fundraiser in two auction areas and

waterfront, where popular song duo Clarissa Serna and Matthew Krebs perform while guests mingle between auction bids. Last year’s Pictures with Parrots and Wine Pull return, before the main hall doors open to a magical setting of 125 bromeliads, 50 hanging floral baskets, firefly lights, a “butterfly” release with Corpus Christi Ballet, Best Steak on the Planet, and Saturn’s Sweets.

Program emcee State Representative Todd Hunter will introduce presenting sponsor CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery representatives, and honoree philanthropist Eugene Bouligny, who has poured millions into the community the past 10 years through challenge grants to many local non-profit groups, including the Botanical Gardens. Then the new short but very sweet live auction—featuring a five-day Puente Leon Costa Rica three-bedroom condo stay for six segues onto the dance floor, as Flashback takes the stage for two sets of pop and rock Nep-Tunes from multiple decades. Later, a new warp speed “Rocket Charge” credit card system speeds guests to their vehicles to find a galactic gift from the Gardens!

( SEE WHO ELSE IS GOING, and how to make YOUR RESERVATIONS to the MOON, on page 2 ! )

Moonlight in the Gardens XIaligns full moon, full realm of entertainment

with indoor & outdoor galaxies of fun!

Eugene Bouligny

Todd Hunter

Presented by

CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery

Honoring philanthropist

Eugene Bouligny

Friday, October 6, 2017

Beginning at 5:30 pm

Solomon P. Ortiz International Center

402 Harbor DriveCorpus Christi, Texas

Thanks to our Sponsors (at print deadline)

®

LIFT-OFF SPONSORS! $ 10,000 2 Tables of 8FULL MOON SPONSOR $ 5,000 1 Table of 12NEW MOON SPONSOR $ 2,500 1 Table of 10BLUE MOON SPONSOR $ 1,500 1 Table of 8Stellar Supporters $ 750 Reserv. Stg. for 4Shooting Stars $ 350 Reserv. Stg. for 2

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY OCTOBER 2!361-852-2100 MaryJane Crull Kathie WaidSINGLE SEATING: $125, $100 Members

BEST STEAK on the PLANET! Cindy & Mike Boudloche Ken & Amanda Kellar Texas RoadhouseASTRONOMICAL Appetizers Jason’s DeliSATURN’S Sweets Spectra at Ortiz CenterAEROSPACE Ale John & Ida FariasVino from VENUS Nelwyn AndersonMERCURY’S Margaritas Aransas Corpus Christi PilotsBLAST OFF Bartenders McNamee Nursery & Landscape

MERCURY’S Main Hall Port Corpus ChristiTAURUS’ Table Tops & Two-Step Joni & Burris McReeFLYING SAUCERS, Silver & Servers Lura & Dr. Tom DietzeMEDIA SPONSOR Corpus Christi Caller-TimesSPACEPORT AIR LOCK Entry Radiology & Imaging of South TexasSTARLIGHT Silent Auction WhataburgerAPHRODITE’S Patio Sibyl & David DeaconNEP-TUNES by Flashback, Main Stage NavyArmy Community Credit UnionSUPERSONIC Selfie Sticks, on Tables Security TitlePLUTO’S Pictures with Parrots Hollon Safe Companyin JUPITER’S Jungle Room HDR

GRAND GALAXY Auction State Rep. Todd HunterPULSAR Wine Pull Susan & Tom UtterGALACTIC Gift From Gardens Bay Area Landscape NurseryMARTIAN Music Bar (on patio) Betty & Lowell ThomasSTAR SHINE Snyder & AssociatesNIGHT SKY Décor June & Steve HerbstCELESTIAL Centerpieces H-E-BVULCAN Valet Parking Hicks Family of DealershipsCONSTELLATION Check-In Center B.J. & Mike KershawPLANETARY Printing RICOH-USA, Larry DreierSPACE STATIONery Barbara LittleMR. SPOCK’S Security Sharon & Jim Kaelin

POLARIS Postage SPONSOR NEEDED ($ 2000) Table of 8 SOLAR Signage SPONSOR NEEDED ($ 2000) " " AURORA Audio Video SPONSOR NEEDED ($ 2000) " " ROCKET CHARGE System SPONSOR NEEDED ($ 2000) " "

UNDERWRITING SPONSORS (INCLUDES TABLE SEATING)

MOON, STELLAR SUPPORT SPONSORSNEW MOONAEP TexasAmerican Bank|Borden InsuranceJennifer BowenCheniere EnergyFlint Hills ResourcesFulton✩Coastcon General ContractorsPhysicians PremierRabalais I&E ConstructorsBLUE MOONValero Energy FoundationTexas A&M University-Corpus ChristiDel Mar College FoundationCoastal Bend Companion Bird Club & Rescue MissionProsperity BankCharlie & Linda ZahnHumpal Physical TherapyGowland, Strealy, Morales & CompanyDevary Durrill FoundationCarlisle InsuranceHilliard Family FoundationCharlene & John ChesshirCarol & Bill PettusValue Bank TexasMary & Larry LysingerJoe & Fran Fulton / Charlie & Elizabeth JamesBill Keenan / Terria & Mike SchmidtCarr, Riggs and Ingram, CPAs / IBC BankRISING STARMrs. Patsy Winn Connie & Tom NiskalaDove, Thompson & Co., PC MDR AdvertisingKay SextonSHOOTING STARPaul Parr Edna & Phillip MonroeCathy & Dave Skurow Dr. Robert & Gloria FurgasonNueces Electric Cooperative Ullberg Studios

Alirio ZambranoVice President, General Mgr.Larry ElizondoMgr. of G&PA Refining& Legislative AffairsCITGO Corpus Christi Refinery

Shirley MimsLarry DreierEVENT CO-CHAIRS

Joni McReeDenise HouslerAUCTION CO-CHAIRS

Get yourseats

on ourStarship

to theMoon !

THE FIX IS IN : Entrance drive, parking rebuilt before/after Harvey!“Gateway” Project in design, funding phases

W hile widening South Staples Street/FM2444 to five lanes, and building a second bridge to prevent road flooding, contractor Bay Ltd. squeezed in rebuilding, resurfacing and restriping the Botanical Gardens entrance drive and parking stalls—deleting its profit margin

along with pronounced pot holes and missing asphalt. The majority of the $115,000 project is covered by $50,000 donated by two very generous friends of the Gardens, plus donations from Patty and Hank Nuss, Shirley Mims, Tom and Susan Utter, and a $7000 grant from the Earl C. Sams Foundation. Patty, Shirley and Tom plus our two anonymous donors all are Board members. The roughly $45,000 balance will be paid by a zero percent, one-year loan from a local foundation.

Hurricane Harvey delayed final seal coats and striping until September. Handicapped parking, now four stalls instead of three, has been relocated to the Plumeria Garden fence, in preparation for the GATEWAY PROJECT, in design stage, which will include a more centrally-located entrance to the Visitors Center, large Visitors Center pond, new front gate entrance and landscape, plus a gift shop rear entrance/exit door taking visitors through Nature’s Boutique gift shop both both coming and going. More donations are being sought, and grants are being written for more GATEWAY PROJECT funding (see page 12 ). m

ROAD/PARKING RECONSTRUCTION after 20 years!( clockwise from upper left )

1. Underground drainage installed before roadwork begins2. Old road excavated to be mixed with new base material3. Upgraded road material graded and compacted4. Lime mixed with road material for added stability, life5. Lime mixed by hand in corner areas6. New roadway rolled, and primer coat applied7. First seal coat applied, rebar installed for concrete driveway

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Facilities/Maintenance Complex ready for move-in, reception scheduled!Two more golf carts needed as staff grows, facilities spread out!

F ield employees are in the process of relocating from Visitors Center to new Field Office as soon as new road and parking areas are fully

sealed and striped—smooth as glass so equipment in transit won’t bounce out of the golf carts! Grounds Manager David Gatton and Horticulturist, Carol Krank (in photo), Grounds Assistants Micah Knupp, Hayden Griffiths and Alex Perez all will office and run Community Service personnel out of the new modular Field Office installed this summer near the equipment barn, Conex storage and materials bins.

Electricity, alarm system, phones and computers are operation-al, with access ramp installed, and landscape touches planned later this month. After vacating the Visitors Center, Nature’s Boutique gift shop functions can ex-pand storage and inventory areas, leaving enough space for Animal Care Specialists Rich Hafemeister, Kelley Shutt and Dedra Benedict to share a hub.

The $100,000 Facilities & Maintenance Complex, featured in our Spring/Summer 2017 newsletter, is the memorial project for former Botanical Gardens pres-ident, founder, and donor W.G. “Bill” Bates. Led by

spouse Jennifer Bowen, Board vice-president Shirley Mims and contractor, Larry Lysinger, a host of monetary and in-kind donors and volunteers joined to create today’s efficient project.

Now spread out over 16 acres, two golf carts need to multiply to four for more efficient employee movement among garden, conser-vatories, maintenance, back trails, animal and administration areas; plus transporting special guests, potential donors, and visitors not fully mobile. Two more golf carts, new or used, are needed as quick-ly as possible. To help, contact Executive Director Michael Womack, 361-852-2100, ext. 224; wmwomack@stxbot.org. m

MEMBERS & VIPSare invited to

a RECEPTION celebrating the new

Facilities & Maintenance Complexin memory of Bill Bates

andParking Area Reconstruction!

5:30-7:30 pmThursday, October 26, 2017

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center8545 S. Staples St. • Corpus Christi

Brief Program & Refreshments in the Rose PavilionGARDEN CASUAL ATTIRE

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Harvey causes minimal damage, mostly debris clean-up at Botanical Gardens!Power restored quickly, but closed a week for brush removal, fence repairs . . .

Thursday, August 24, when Tropical Depression/Tropical Storm/Hurricane Harvey landfall was forecast for category 1, then 2, South Texas Botanical Gardens &

Nature Center announced it would be closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday—August 25 through 27—for preparations before and minor restoration after. But after Harvey’s much more serious category 3 and then 4 reality, leaving devastation all along the Texas Gulf Coast north of us; and lots of landscape debris and fence restoration at the Botanical Gardens, closure was extended through Thursday, August 31, reopening Friday, September 1, in time for Labor Day weekend.

With the exceptions of an Orchid Conservatory fan being damaged by a fallen Kapok tree, no buildings or greenhouses were harmed. The vine-covered Visitors Center entrance arbor, destined for demolition when the upcoming GATEWAY PROJECT is built, collapsed and had to be demolished early. The prominent Durrill entrance sign, dedicated in 2013 by the Devary Durrill Foundation in memory of Shirley “Sam” Durrill, sustained wind damage, which will be evaluated by contractors.

Storm preparations, completed in 24 hours by staff, volunteers and Community Service personnel, included moving outdoor reptiles and parrots to the Education Station classroom. All building windows were covered, and computer equipment shut down and disconnected. Loose outdoor objects were put indoors or anchored, and all gates secured. Parking lot reconstruction underway by Bay, Ltd., was shut down, as was Texas Department of Transportation construction on S. Staples/FM2444. Recovery, however, took substantially more time, energy, plenty of sweat equity by staff and volunteers! m

Audubon Outdoor Club donates used equipment to Botanical Gardens

Several years ago, former Botanical Gardens volunteer Fred Jones, now deceased, donated the Jones Sanctuary to the Audubon Outdoor Club for

birding and natural history education. The group recently decided it was time to turn the property over to San Patricio County, which could better care for it, but had no need for extra equipment. In June, the Club donated a 10-year-old John Deere lawn tractor, pull cart, and licensed tilt trailer to the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. m

(Above) Uprooted Kapok Tree knocked down an Orchid Conservatory fan.(Below Left and Center) Visitors Center Arbor had to be completely demolished, removed.(Bottom Right) Two sides of Durrill Entrance Marker lying down.(Photos: Larry Lysinger, Michael Womack)

Jo Creglow on donated Deere, next to Deere tractor, donated by Deneece and Wayne Squires in 2011.

Jo Creglow, Bob Creglow, Karen Smith with trailer.

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Wildlife in Focus nature photography exhibit extended through December;Visitors spoiled by blooms, birds, beasts—and ART!

Botanical Gardens visitors have been spoiled by art, as well as flora, fauna and fun! From April through September, 2016, “Nature’s Brush Strokes” adorned the Mary Hope Brennecke Nature Trail with area artists’ renderings of South Texas wildflowers

and native plants on tall art kiosks. Last October, Wildlife in Focus 2015 nature photography competition winners went up on those same displays. That partnership with the Botanical Gardens blossomed into nature photography summer camps. “We’re working on securing funding to update the display in the fall of 2017 using new award winning images and more educational data,” says WIF Executive Director Crystal Mead. “Displaying exceptional nature photography in nature is ideal!” m

Reasons people rent the Gardens –weddings, graduations, baby showers, birthdays, bridal photos, anniversaries, company picnics, Quincenaras, concerts, office retreats . . . maternity shoots???

Trending photography rentals at the Gardens & Nature Center are for maternity shoots, aka “baby bump” photos!

These touching shots of Ashley and Cody Simper (at left), were taken by Ashlee Struchen, Sweetest Snaps Photography; and Amanda and Andrew Gurley (above), by photographer Mike Wyatt.

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Eight weeks of five different summer camps give 130 youth lasting education, memories!

A record 130 youth, ages five through 18, enrolled in Botanical Gardens & Nature Center summer camps this year, beginning in early June, running through early August.

Children five through 12 studied Flora Facts & Fun, Birds & Reptiles or Nature Rangers. Basic Birding Camp was open to kids eight through 13; while middle and high school students took part in three Nature Photography camps. Four things were learned for next year—August camps will replace the first two weeks in June; birds and reptiles are more kid-popular than flora; teens really got into new photography camps in partnership with Wildlife in Focus; and staff needs a break in the middle of multiple camp sessions! m

Photos clockwise from top left:Photography campers wear their photos on their shirts.

“Hey, we match,” bird says to camper!Campers learn bird anatomy from a chicken wing.Butterfly House photo by Nature Photography student.

“These kids love us, but is that lizard on the wall real???”Ivan “the terrible” Iguana just melts when petted and scratched in “Birds & Reptiles” camp. Photos: Dedra Benedict, MaryJane Crull

CITGO is Fueling Good Thingsin South Texas Communities

CITGO is committed to safeguarding the environment we all share—for today and generations to come. Besides numerous employee-driven environmental efforts here in Corpus Christi, we invest in long-term programs dedicated to the promotion of energy efficiency and restoration of natural habitats.

citgocorpuschristi.com© 2017 CITGO Petroleum Corporation

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• M E M B E R S H I P F O R M •Annual Member Benefits

Names (s)

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (s)

E-Mail Address

Amt $ Cash Ck#

MC Visa Discover

Acct #

Name on Acct

Expiration 3 Digit Security Code

Signature

Free General Admission for 12 Months Nature’s Boutique & Plant Sale Discounts Free or Discounted Classes Facilities Rental Privileges Newsletter ■ Event Invitations ■ Window Decal RECIPROCAL GARDENS — All Member Levels

Free or Discounted Admission to 300+ Reciprocal Gardens in U.S.

February Local Attractions Partnership Turner’s Gardenland 10% Discount !

Renewal New Member

* (Couple, Family: Must be Same Household) ** (Grandparents: Includes grandchildren under age 18) (Age 60+/Active Military may take 10% off the membership level of their choice )

Member Information PLEASE PRINT

Please make check payable toSouth Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Mail this form toSouth Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

8545 S. Staples • Corpus Christi, Texas 78413

Membership Categor y MARK SELEC TION

Individual $ 35 Couple * $ 45 Family * $ 60 Grandparent ** $ 60 Sustaining (Family or GP+2 guests) $ 100 Supporting (Family or GP+4 guests) $ 250 Patron (Family or GP+6 guests) $ 500 Benefactor (Family or GP+10 guests) $ 1000

S O U T H T E X A S B O T A N I C A L G A R D E N S & N A T U R E C E N T E R

EXECUTIVE BOARDRandy Sijansky—PresidentTom Niskala—Vice PresidentShirley Mims—Vice PresidentB.J. Kershaw—SecretaryJim Sedwick, CPA—TreasurerC indy Boudloche, CPA— Ass’t. Treasurer

Bob Becquet—Past PresidentNelwyn AndersonJoyce BarnetteJohn BivensJennifer BowenCharlene ChesshirDr. Tom DietzeHugh DobsonDr. Mary Jane GarzaJessica GilmoreDenise HouslerDiane La RuePaul ParrTom UtterRick Valls

DirectorsVictor AguirreArt Chavarria-San AntonioMelanie ChipmanKevin CooperSibyl Deacon-KingsvilleKaren EastonDr. Robert FurgasonRhonda GanzAlex Garcia, Jr.Regina GarciaKen GriffinJune HerbstGloria HicksLisa HinojosaScott HumpalElizabeth JamesAmanda KellarDr. Flavius KillebrewBarbara LittleJoni McReeBarbara McSpadden-RockportEdna MonroeSarah NicholsonPatty NussBob PaulisonSandy RenfrowAndy SaenzManette ScanioTerria SchmidtDarcy SchroederLinda StrongBetty ThomasRich Tuttle—EmeritusCathy WinnLinda Zahn-Port Aransas

Regional Advisory BoardJoe AdameChris AdlerMike CarrellFoster EdwardsLarry ElizondoScott ElliffJudy HawleyBruce HawnDr. Roland HernandezState Rep. Todd HunterPaulette KlugeNelda MartinezTrey McCampbellNueces County Judge Loyd NealJo Gilbert PalmerCarol RehtmeyerDavid Richter, FAIAJoe SchenkCathy Skurow, PE-Portland

Technical Advisory BoardJohn BalcarFrank EicholzDr. Wayne HanselkaHerbert ‘Jim’ HarmonJenna HoffmanChad HuckabeeSamuel JonesRosario MartinezJan ShannonRon ShannonDr. Liz SmithTim Tristan, DAVBP RABetty Prentiss

2017 Board of Directors

Hicks Family of Dealerships donates gently-used pickup to Botanical GardensThank you to Board member Gloria Hicks and Hicks Family of Dealerships for donating a 2006 Ford Ranger extended-cab pickup in excellent condition to the

Botanical Gardens & Nature Center for a “company” truck, allowing staff to once again make local runs to home im-provement stores and to pick up donated plants in an attrac-tive, dependable vehicle.

Two new staff hired in Animal Husbandry!Welcome Dedra Benedict and Kelley Shutt, new Animal Care Specialists, joining Rich Hafemeister—all part time employees doing an excellent job of on-site care of 65 reptiles and 44 exotic parrots, off-site education, hurricane preparations and post-hurricane clean-up! Dedra and spouse, Bruce, have volunteered with our animals roughly two years, and have parrots (and various other pets) themselves.

Kelley has valuable raptor experience at the Texas State Aquarium. Also in their job descrip-tions are popular Parrot Talk performances at 1:30 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Rich, Kelley and Dedra

Download on your phone or tablet from your favorite app store and you can receive notices of your next trash /recycle pick-up

along with your brush schedule.

UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATION Thanks to Jason’s Deli, 2017 EDUCATION PROGRAM SPONSOR!

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E D U C A T I O NORCHIDOLOGY 1st Thursday each month, 7 pm On-going Orchid monthly class series, information exchange for novice to experienced growers, with Orchid Curator Sam Jones, other guest speakers, in the Education Station classroom. Monthly topics range from different orchid genera to specific orchid culture techniques. FREE for all orchid lovers! Orchids for sale at most meetings. For information, call 361.290-7429.

Unless otherwise noted, general admission includes Class Fees; Members FREE.With exception of evening classes, check in at Visitors Center for class location.

FALL PLANTING FOR SPRING BLOOMS Saturday, September 16, 10-noon.Learn why our oft-forgotten fall planting season can be a gardener’s best friend when Gill Landscape Nursery’s Landscape Designer Kathy Hubner provides a plethora of planting possibilities for spectacular spring color including perennials, bulbs and shrubs.

SPA DAY FOR FALL ROSES! Saturday, September 30, 10-noon. Corpus Christi Rose Society provides insights for fall grooming and rose care to get your “American Beauties” back into full bloom for fall and winter.

HOLIDAY FLORAL DESIGNS Saturday, October 14, 10 to noon.H-E-B Plus floral designers will teach you to create beautiful holiday arrangements to WOW your family and guests.

TREES FOR SOUTH TEXAS Saturday, October 21, 10 to noon.There’s more trees suitable for South Texas than you might think. Botanical Gardens Executive Director and horticulturist Michael Womack, Ed.D., shares several tree varieties, growth rates, soil preferences and how to plant and prune for optimum growth and strength.

CREATIVE COMPOSTING Saturday, October 28, 10-noon. Even if your yard is small, learn easy and practical ways to recycle your kitchen scraps and landscape debris into “Gardener’s Gold” from Nueces Master Gardener Composting Specialist Deb Holliday, with helpful tips dispelling the “dirty and smelly” misconception.

WINTER LECTURE SERIES Wednesdays, January 17 through March 14, 10 to 11:30 amA variety of unique nature and horticulture topics, which define and explain our South Texas environment. For winter visitors, other travelers, residents. Enjoy new acquaintances and a cup of coffee at these enjoyable morning sessions. Jan 17 Grow Local South Texas Aislynn Campbell, Executive Director, Grow LocalJan 24 Rainwater Harvesting Carlos Valdez, Rainwater Harvesting SpecialistJan 31 Sensational Succulents Merlien WilderFeb 7 Wildflower Legends & Lore Betty Whitt, Nueces Master GardenerFeb 14 What Type of Rose Do I Need? Jan Shannon, Corpus Christi Rose SocietyFeb 21 Raptor Rehab at Texas Sea Life Center Amanda Terry, Director of Rehabilitation, Texas Sea Life Ctr.Feb 28 Worm Composting Rosemary Plank, Nueces Master GardenerMar 7 Ranch Hand Cooking Karen Howden, Nueces County Historical CommissionMar 14 Home Hydroponics Systems Gabriel Vega, BotaniCo

RELAXING HERBAL TEA REMEDIES Saturday, January 20, 10:30 to 11:30 amSusan Sparks, owner Chiron Holistic, and Christina O'Donnell share which herbs to grow, simple recipes for various remedies.

CHICKEN COOPS FOR BACKYARD EGG PRODUCTION Saturday, February 3, 10:30 to 11:30 amLearn the egg-cellence of cooking fresh eggs every day, local regulations, resources, techniques, and not so normal chicken coop construction to make poultry feel at home in your backyard, from Aislynn Campbell, Executive Director, Grow Local South Texas.

ENSURING SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN SUCCESS Saturday, February 17, 10:30 to 11:30 amNueces Master Gardener Deb Holliday gives great gardening guidelines for planning, preparing and planting a super spring garden including advantages of both seeds and transplants. Discover what, when, where, and how to plant, with demonstrations of proven planting techniques, and variety of charts and instruction sheets available.

PROPAGATING MEXICAN SPICES FOR FLAVORFUL SPRING COOKING Saturday, March 3, 10:30 to 11:30 amPreparing for spring, expand your bounty by taking cuttings and planting seeds of favorite herbs used in Mexican cooking and even some medicinal varieties, with Nueces Master Gardener Certified Propagation Specialist Rosemary Plank. Walk away with cuttings to start your own Mexican herb garden.

ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR GARDEN Saturday, March 17, 10:30 to 11:30 amLearn necessary components of a Butterfly Garden from “Butterfly Lady” Brenda Dziedzic, author of Learn about Butterflies in the Garden, and owner of Brenda's Butterfly Habitat, Westland, Mi. Want Monarchs, Giant Swallowtails, or Cloudless Sulphurs in your landscape? Choose butterflies you want and learn the right plants to draw them to your yard.

2017 Board of Directors

E V E N T SPARROT TALK VISITOR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS 1:30 pm, Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays, Tropical Garden. Included in General Admission!

WILDLIFE IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Through December 31 Full-color winning photographs from 2015 Wildlife in Focus biennial photography competition, with photographers’ metadata, on art pillars along the Brennecke Nature Trail. Shot by photographers partnering with South Texas landowners, the competition was judged in categories of birds, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles/amphibians, specialties. Included in general admission, 9 am to 6 pm daily. FMI, 361-881-9316, wildlifeinfocus.org. (see p. 6)

MOONLIGHT IN THE GARDENS Friday evening, October 6, Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. Botanical Gardens signature fundraiser, Astronomical Appetizers, Stellar Spirits, Best Steak on the Planet, Saturn’s Sweets—Martian Music Bar, Silent Auction & Grand Galaxy auctions, Pictures with Parrots, Nep-tunes and dancing with Flashback, Vulcan Valet! Table sponsorships available; Individual Seating–$125

per person, $100 members. Information, 361-852-2100. (see article, pp. 1, 2)

BOTANICAL GARDENS ‘BUCK’ DAY! Saturday, November 4, 9 am to 6 pm.Before the Plumeria are tucked away for winter, while tropicals are in top form, while butterflies are in abundance, everyone can visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center–enjoying the FLORA, FAUNA AND FUN–for just $1 per person! See the Rose Garden, Orchid Conservatory, Bromeliad Conservatory, ‘artful’ Sensory Garden . . . meet Resident Reptiles and exotic parrots, enjoy a butterfly release in the Butterfly House, explore trails and wetlands, shop Nature’s Boutique.

Joan Batman Nature’s Boutique MEMBERS HOLIDAY SALE! Saturday, November 18, Sunday, December 31.All your favorites, and generous selection of new merchandise and books—all 20% off for members. Beat Black Friday, avoid Holiday shopping crowds, find unique merchandise in relaxed, intimate setting with reasonable prices! NOT A MEMBER???? Purchase your membership before you shop. GIFT MEMBERSHIPS make great gifts to enjoy all year. Open daily 9am to 6pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas.

BIG BLOOM Plant Sale & DOLLAR DAY! Saturday, April 7, 9am-5pm (Members Early Entry 8-9am).Our spring garden festival and only Plant Sale of the year! Kids activities, Orchid Sale, specialty vendors, butterfly releases in the Butterfly House, ladybug releases, reptile shows, Parrot Talk, food trucks and more . . . plant experts on site. Texas Master Naturalists—nature trail ‘walk and talk’ tours, kids ‘touch & learn’ tables in EcoFun Tent, and birding scopes on Wetlands Boardwalk. Buy a NEW membership at 10% off; get discounts on plants and Nature’s Boutique purchases. FLORA, FAUNA, affordable FAMILY FUN!

BIRDIEST FESTIVAL IN AMERICA Thursday-Sunday, April 19-22, 9-6; Optional Field Trips Grab your optics and join the migration to Corpus Christi, Texas named the “Birdiest City in America” for ten consecutive years with over 300 species seen annually. Guest speakers, trade show, workshops, Raptor Project shows, children's activities. Optional field trips allow birders to explore great birding

sites around the Texas Coastal Bend. 361-852-2100, ext. 224 .

MOTHERS DAY FREE WEEKEND, Moms Get In Free! Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 11, 12, 13. Celebrate National Public Gardens Day with us and the American Public Gardens Association, on Mothers’ Day Weekend! At Visitors Center Check-in, all a mother needs to say is “Moms Love Flowers!”, and she gets in free. Sorry, the rest of the family pays general admission. (Of course, members always get in free.) SPECIAL MOMS DAY DEAL: Buy Mom a membership this weekend, at 20% off for a year’s worth of free admission, Nature’s Boutique, Turner’s Gardenland and other discounts, plus 300 Reciprocal Gardens!

If Pre-Registration Required, call 361.852.2100. SHORT COURSES, SERIES include general admission.UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATION

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Jason’s Deli is sponsor of the 2017 Education Calendar!

GENE BLACKLOCK Birding, Natural History STUDIESGene Blacklock is an acclaimed birder, naturalist, author and educator.

For curriculum questions, call him at 361.558.1829.IF PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED, CALL OR COME BY THE BOTANICAL GARDENS: 361-852-2100Bring to Birding Classes: ‘NORTH AMERICAN FIELD GUIDE’ (available in Nature’s Boutique);

BLACKLOCK’S BEGINNING BIRD ID SERIES: 6 Classes, 2 Field Trips Monday Evening Classes: 6:15-9 pm; Sept. 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23. Saturday Field Trips: Oct. 21, Nov. 4.

Designed for those with little or no field experience who wish to learn more about bird identification. $150 members; $185 others (includes a 1-yr single membership). Prepaid registration by Sept. 15.

BLACKLOCK’S SHOREBIRD IDENTIFICATION: 1-Day Short Course Saturday, Sept. 23—Class: 9 -11:30 am, Education Station. Field Trip: 1-5 pm

For all levels of birders, studying Coastal Bend shorebirds, plovers, sandpipers, phalaropes . . . life histories, migration timelines, (basic) plumage. $45 members; $60 others. Prepaid registration required by Sept. 20.

BIRDS OF SOUTH TEXAS, NATURAL HISTORY & IDENTIFICATION Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Feb. 13, 15, 16 Studying Waterfowl, Shorebirds and Finches (Identification, Basic Plumage), with Gene Blacklock.

Feb. 13: Class, 9-11:30 am; Field Trip 1:30-5 pm Feb. 15: Field Trip, 7:45-11:30 am; Class, 1:30-4:30 pm Feb. 16: Field Trip, 7:45-11:30 am; Class, 1:30-4:30 pm Visiting: Hazel Bazemore Park, Polliwog Pond, Blucher Park, Tule Lake, Indian Point, Sunset Lake Park.$95 members, $110 others. Prepaid Registration required by Feb. 9.

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF BIRDS, IDENTIFICATION, MORE Saturday, Feb. 24Class, 8:45-11:30 am, Education Station; Field Trip, 1:30-4:30 pm, Botanical Gardens & Nature Center trails. Basic introduction designed for beginning birders with little or no experience in birding. Study some of the 450+ known bird species in South Texas. $45 members, $60 others. Prepaid Registration required by Wednesday, Feb. 21.

EXCITING WORLD OF HAWKS AND THEIR IDENTIFICATION Friday & Saturday, March 30 & 31Class: Friday, 6:15- 8:30 pm, Education Station; Field Trip: Saturday, 9:45 am-noon, Hazel Bazemore Park. $45 members, $60 others. Prepaid Registration required by Tuesday, March 27.

KIDS LEARNINGNATURE “CSI” 3-DAY SPRING BREAK CAMP Monday-Wednesday, March 12-14, 9 am to noon. Kids ages 8-13, investigate different “Nature Crime Scenes” with Field Biologist/Youth Education Coordinator Brenda Ermis, learning investigative techniques to explore the mysteries of nature, with a different “case” to solve each day, intriguing nature activities. $60 Members, $50 others. Prepaid registration required by March 9.

ANATOMY OF A BUTTERFLY Saturday, March 17, 2:30 pm Kids of all levels are taught unique characteristics of butterflies, touching and seeing different stages of the butterfly life cycle, with “Butterfly Lady” and author, Brenda Dziedzic.

Watch for more Children’s Activities, including summer camps, in the Winter Issue, and on our website, www.stxbot.org.

BIOTIC PROVINCE SAFARIS Travel & Learn with Gene Blacklock2018 Navahonian Cloudcroft, Alamogordo, New Mexico CLASS April 2, 6:15-9:15 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station TRIP April 15-22, including travel days.

Tamaulipan Rio Grande Valley, Laredo CLASS October 29, 6:15-9:15 pm, Botanical Gardens Education Station. TRIP November 11-17, including travel days.

Photos: Debbie Noble

CORPORATE M E M B E R S

11

$2000C ITGO- Corpus Christi Refinery

Flint Hills Resources$1000Valero$500B randed by Web Designs

Gill Landscape NurseryMDR AdvertisingN RG Energy - Gregory Office

Southside Lions Club

$250Port Aransas RealtyP ort Aransas Chamber of Commerce

$100Aquaria Services

GARDEN CLUBSBay Area Garden GuildCenizo Garden ClubDriftwood Garden ClubKingsville Garden ClubP lumeria Society of South Texas

PHOTOGRAPHYJacqueline GarciaLalita Lee HughesRachel MeldomK atherine Ramirez - KITKAT Photography

Solo PhotoValerie Ybarra

GRANTS & DONATIONSEarl C. Sams Foundation

CONTRIBUTIONSAnonymousC.F. BassBrennecke EstateCharlie WebbJohn & Mary Tucker

RECENT ‘BUTTERFLY BANK’M ary Kathryn Mauel—

MONARCH, $1000In Memory of Jeff Martin,

Belinda Cantu Martin— GULF FRITILLARY, $100

IN-KIND DONATIONSE d Hicks Family of Dealerships

S onrisa Construction, Larry Lysinger

U rban Engineering, Chuck Urban

V oss Engineering, Ronnie Voss

C rull Engineering, LLC Carl Crull

C. C. Convention & Visitors Bureau

Wildlife in FocusBranded by Web DesignMDR AdvertisingCorpus Christi Caller TimesKIII Ch. 3KRIS Ch. 6KZTV Ch. 10KLUX

MEMORIALSW illiam Carl

Mrs. William CarlF rances Etheridge Ocean Drive Garden Club

K ipling Layton Joyce Barnette

R osa S. Meilleur Coastal Bend Cactus & Succulent Society

HONORARIUMSJ ohnnie Ray Seale Marilyn Sheridan

B ob Wheeler Ocean Drive Garden Club

W eston & Katherine Conoly Lichtenberg Family

NEW MEMBERS(since last issue)

SUSTAINING D wayne, Karen & Jessica Bivona

David & Anita HarrisJo Ann IrbyCheryl & Cristian RadaneataTerry Richter

GRANDPARENTSRachel & David CoxGloria DruryPaul & Debby EubankA aron Coulter & Theresa Hoelscher

Gary & Sandra HorowitzDee MaddenJane & Nathan Ritter

FAMILYShandra AlafaKeyla & Javier AldabaChris & Kathryn AndrewsCarina ArmendarizM ichele Perez

& Jacob ArredondoSarah BarkerAdair BatesStephanie ChaboraStephanie & Mark CowanJo Ann Alonzo & Brittany CruzHal & Jan DantoneDenise Godkin & Kelsey EllisGalileo Espinosa & Amy EllisN ancy Krupa & Victoria Gordoa

Holly HarrisonJessica & Jimmy W Ivory IIKaren KingmanEugenio & Gloria LermaDeedrya LopezB randon & Jennifer McCormick

Caleb Bishop & Adrea MihoinHeather & Raymond MorrigonNikki & Scott OstreicherCathy & Randy PierceMike & Minerva SalazarRichard & Cheryl SanchezAshley & Rusty SilvaSara SkinnerDavid & Mary SquiresSharon & Les Jones TranabyRaquel Vargas-WhaleBelinda WaitCameron & Lea WeisenburgerNicole & Danny WhitePaul Michael & Linda WhiteRandy & Regina Wilbank

COUPLEMary & Wayland BarmoreJ eremy Mehlo & Alalla Bladder

J anette Bunney & Diane Brown

J anet Moody & Christian Burky

Bob & Gail KennyKirk & Angela LeclearRhonda & Walter LehotskyChunyan LiS amantha Garcia & Zachary Morris

Lauren Haufler & Hiren PortelVictor & Lynnette PinionArianna & Arturo SalinasM ichael Tharratt

& Victoria Scott

INDIVIDUALJaime AlcocerBrian BartholowMichael CastroAmanda DornbuschSany GonzalezDaysia HernandezSharon LaquerreYvette MartinezThomas MornsAna NovakRachel PoseyJustin QuintanillaJudith SuminskiJacqueline TatumJessica Washington

EVENT CHAIRS:Shirley MimsLarry Dreier

AUCTION CHAIRS:Denise HouslerJoni McRee

DÉCOR CHAIR:Charlene Chesshir

AUCTIONS:BJ KershawKaren EastonJune HerbstAlex GarciaAquaria Services Staff

DÉCOR:Nan BaileyJohn ChesshirPatty NussJessica GilmoreCindy BoudlocheTerria SchmidtEdna MonroeSally GillStan Pirkle

“BUTTERFLY” RELEASE:Cristina MunroeCarol Rehtmeyer

TELEPHONE:Betty ThomasNelwyn Anderson

LOGISTICS:Randy SijanskyLarry LysingerRudy LiserioPaul ParrTom DietzeTom NiskalaKevin Cooper

T H A N K S T O O U R

Moonlight in the GardensC O M M I T T E E

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1127

Corpus Christi, TX 78469 8545 S. Staples St. ■ Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 ■ 361.852.2100

OPEN DAILY, 9am - 6pm (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)8545 S. Staples St. Corpus Christi TX 78413 361-852-2100 F 361-852-7875

FOLLOW US: www.stxbot.org Facebook.com/stxbot So Tx Botanical Gdns SouthTexasBotanicalGardens

PUBLISHED BY: South Texas BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER • Editor, MaryJane Crull • PRINTED BY: GRUNWALD PRINTING COMPANY

In late April, generous local businessman and philanthropist Eugene Bouligny issued a second challenge grant to the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center—to raise

$100,000 in new funds before the end of 2017! If we are successful, he will match the funds with an additional generous $100,000 donation—for a total of another $200,000 in new funding for the Botanical Gardens! Four months later, we’ve received commitments for more than $67,000; with three months left to raise an additional $33,000!

WAYS TO “MEET OUR MATCH” • Donate funds for Hurricane Harvey repairs; or upkeep of a specific garden or exhibit. (see pages 5)• Invite friends to become Botanical Gardens & Nature Center members. (see form, benefits on page 8)• Make a donation from your company. Or invest in a new corporate membership.• Increase your sponsorship to Moonlight in the Gardens. Or, be a new sponsor. (see pages 1,2)• Make a Memorial donation. Or, make a birthday, anniversary or other honorarium donation.• Help us pay off our loan for repaving our entrance drive/parking area—we owe $40,000! (see page 3)• Help replenish butterflies in the Butterfly House through a 2017 Butterfly Bank donation. Buy the new back door for the Visitors Center—$10,000! (see page 3) Help purchase an electronic gate for the new front entrance—total of about $35,000. Help fund the new, beautiful lily pond, or waterfall, in the Visitors Center front yard.• Sponsor a Parrot or Reptile for a year.• Purchase another Kent Ulberg bronze wildlife sculpture for the Brennecke Nature Trail. ($10,000-$50,000.)• We need a BICYCLE RACK—for about 10 bikes! (When Staples widening is complete, there will be a bike lane!!!)

Funds raised to meet Eugene Bouligny’s second $100,000 challenge grant now at $67,000!We can do it! Please consider ways you can help our non-profit organization meet

Mr. Bouligny’s challenge. Your donations are tax-deductible! (In-kind materials or services aren’t eligible to match, but still are appreciated.)

Please contact Executive Director Dr. Michael Womack for more information, or if you’d like to make a donation—361.852.2100, wmwomack@stxbot.org. THANK YOU! m

MOONLIGHTIn the GARDENS!Friday Evening, October 6!(page 1,2)

GENE BLACKLOCKBIRDING EDUCATION!September-March(page 10)

VISITORS CENTERGATEWAY PROJECT

Nature's BoutiqueResident

Reptiles

Newly paved parking area Electronic Gate