FAQs
The NBC is a 100-acre nature preserve with cultivated gardens and wildscape, navigable through woodland and savannah trails. This ever-changing landscape is a work in progress. Once an onion field in commercial production, this area is being restored to native habitat to support wildlife.What can I expect at the National Butterfly Center?
Expect seasonal temperatures and variations related to natural processes. For example, butterflies will not be out and about in temperatures below 65*F or during heavy showers.
Are the butterflies caged or kept inside?
No, our butterflies are all wild and free-flying. They are not farmed or held captive. We typically have an abundance of them because we plant the host and nectar plants they need to live and reproduce. To experience the beauty of the butterflies, birds and other wildlife, you must explore the outdoors where they may be found.
When is the best time to visit?
Any sunny day with temperatures above 70*F should offer opportunities for observing butterflies. Weather patterns, including rainfall, regulate and affect wildlife, so we cannot predict exactly when butterflies will be most plentiful; however, if it is warm, we will have butterflies.
While the peak of butterfly season occurs each fall, during migration (when the annual Texas Butterfly Festival is scheduled), the volume and variety of butterfly species will change throughout the year. This means spring, summer, fall and winter can all be good times to visit.
What should I bring?
We generally recommend you bring a hat and sunscreen, as well as insect repellant. Closed-toe shoes with an outdoor sole are strongly suggested. Binoculars and cameras are highly encouraged. You may also bring food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the grounds; but pets, fireworks, drugs and alcohol, dirt bikes, ATVs and firearms are prohibited.
Is admission free with my state/national park pass?
No, the National Butterfly Center is not affiliated with the state or national park systems. We are a project of the nonprofit North American Butterfly Association, Inc. Operational support comes from members and donors, as well as admission and program fees, native plant and gift shop sales, and grants.
Where do I find out about programs, activities and guided tours?
Our Facebook page is the best way to obtain up-to-the-minute information about activities at the NBC, including any weather-related closures. We have an online event calendar, however, it may not always be accurate. If you have questions about a specific event, it is always best to call: 956-583-5400. If you leave a message (and you may have to) please make sure to leave a call back number!
How do I become a member/donor/volunteer?
The JOIN US and SUPPORT tabs both have information and links to online applications, as well as PayPal, for your convenience. We welcome your participation and hope you will make a point to visit often, for the love of butterflies!
NBC in Education
Thank you for visiting the National Butterfly Center’s Educational Resources portal. Here, you will find some of the lesson plans we have created for use here, during school field trips and for traditional field science studies, for grades Pre-K – 12.
We encourage you to poke around and check out all we have to offer for creative ways to implement learning with Nature, in your classroom. Many lessons offer opportunities for instruction across multiple subject areas and aim to illustrate and reiterate a variety of vocabulary words and concepts through practical application. For example, if you are teaching about Energy, why not incorporate ‘Predator and Prey’ materials to increase comprehension of the most critical form of energy: the calorie.
Lessons are intended to be scalable, so students may be engaged and challenged at every level. Many lessons will feature activities, discussion prompts and project suggestions that may be modified for age/grade appropriateness. In addition, we have included reputable supplemental resources to support lesson plans from trusted organizations, such as National Geographic, TED, The Smithsonian, esteemed authorities and universities around the world.
We hope you find our educational resources enjoyable and useful!
NOTE: Although most lessons will list Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills correlations to facilitate instructional integration, all plans also address the objectives listed below, in the event they are not specifically noted:
Other TEKS Objectives
K.1, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 – Conducts Classroom and Field Investigations
K.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3, 6.5, 8.5– Speaks Appropriately to Different Audiences for Different Purposes and Occasions
K.9, 1.9, 2.9, 3.8 – Needs of Living Organisms
K.12, 1.12, 2.12 – Generates Questions and Conducts Research Using Information from Various Sources
1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.9, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 – Listens Actively and Purposely in a Variety of Settings
Bio. 12
TEXAS PREKINDERGARTEN GUIDELINES
VI.B.1. Child identifies and describes the characteristics of organisms.
VI.B.2. Child describes life cycles of organisms.
VI.B.3.Child recognizes, observes, and discusses the relationship of organisms to their environments.
VI.C.1.Child identifies, compares, discusses earth materials, and their properties and uses.
V1.C.4 Child demonstrates the importance of caring for our environment and our planet.
VIII.A.1. Child uses a variety of art materials and activities for sensory experience and exploration.
Field Day Fridays at the National Butterfly Center
Everyone is welcome to join us for fun, field education throughout the summer. No need to pre-register, just come prepared to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Outdoor Adventure Awaits!
Time: 8:30am - Noon
Fee: $5 per person
Friday, June 12 Hike the Hackberry Trail in search of scat & tracks. Learn about habitat, healthy environments and how to create your own haven for wildlife.
Friday, June 19 Backyard Buddies helps you get familiar with the creatures that live where we live. Understand why are they here; whether they are helpful or harmful; and how to co-exist.
Friday, June 26 We're going on a BUG hunt! Every day outside offers an opportunity to encounter different insects, reptiles, birds and animals. Use our binoculars and field guides--or bring your own--and see what you can see at the NBC.
Friday, July 10 It's all about the butterflies. Take flight with our winged wonders, as we focus on butterfly anatomy and behavior, butterfly families, species identification, host and nectar plants, and how we depend on pollinators.
Friday, July 17 Survivor South Texas teaches basic skills and first aid for dealing with real world injuries and dangers in the wild. Special attention will be given to snakes, so you may distinguish "friend from foe."
Friday, July 24 Camping 101 is a class for anyone interested in pitching tent and planning their own sleepover under the stars. This hands-on skill-building session includes building a campfire and s'mores!
Friday, July 31 Wildlife photography workshop includes a an introduction to digital photography, a photo scavenger hunt, inexpensive wildlife blinds and our nature photography contest. No fancy equipment required; any digital device with a camera will work!
Friday, August 7 Hide & seek at the National Butterfly Center features games animals play. Learn about "breadcrumbs" and trail signs, cardinal points, geocaching and more as we practice stealth, camouflage and self-control, so we may live to see the sun set and rise, again.
For more information call 956.583.5400
Download Schedule Here
Memorial Brick or Bench
Memorial Bricks in the paved ‘Butterfly Walk’ promenade through the Species Bed section of the Texas Butterfly Garden are $250 each.
Memorial Benches, our limestone “buttersticks”, may be purchased for $1500. These are available in the Texas Butterfly Garden, in the sunken gardens and under the row of Retamas, along the species beds.
YEAR-ENG GIVING: Should you wish to have a memorial brick or bench, they may be purchased in two equal installments this November and December, 2014.
INSCRIPTION: Due to size constraints, brick are limited to two lines of engraving (three max.) with 30-36 characters, total. Benches accommodate more:
Critter promo
The National Butterfly Center is pleased to offer five weeks of Project WILD TM certified environmental and life science education to children ages 7 - 12. Programs will be limited to 40 children per session.
Critter Camp is all about connecting children with nature through engaging experiences with plants and animals that may be found right here. Outdoor adventure, arts & crafts, and hands-on encounters reinforce important lessons about our diverse wildlife, disappearing habitat and environmental conservation, designed to build skills and a passion for stewardship.
All participants who complete a summer session will receive a complimentary Individual Membership good for one year of FREE admission to the National Butterfly Center.
Paid sessions may be cancelled with two weeks advance notice, and a $10 penalty.
Contact Angie at 956.583.5400 ext. 751, for more information.
DOWNLOAD MORE CRITTER CAMP INFORMATION
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