If we can save the butterflies, we can save ourselves.

Pollinators, like butterflies and bees, need your assistance to survive the devastating effects of pesticides, herbicides and loss of habitat due to development and drought. The National Butterfly Center is leading the charge to educate the public about the importance of wild butterflies, in order to create citizen conservationists.

You can take action to protect our planet and preserve our natural treasures, by promoting our mission, sharing this message, and becoming a member of the National Butterfly Center, today. Please, join us in growing connections between people, plants and the 'winged wonders' responsible for balance and beauty in our world.

Your gift will grow and grow! Grant a wish for our 'winged wonders', adopt a bed, transplant a tree, or place a permanent memorial in our gardens.

Come to the Rio Grande Valley!

The Rio Grande Valley has earned worldwide recognition for its outstanding butterfly and birding spots, inviting thousands of visitors each year to discover its remarkable assortment of preserves, refuges, nature parks, trails, and more. Join us, November 2-5, for three days of educational sessions and fantastic field trips, where world-class guides will lead your exploration of renowned public lands and private properties at the peak of butterfly season. Don't miss this special opportunity! Whether you are a budding enthusiast or an experienced naturalist, the 18th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival is THE place to be.

2013 Summer Critter Camp

The National Butterfly Center is pleased to offer five weeks of Project WILD^TM certified environmental and life science education to children ages 6 - 14. Programs will be limited to 40 children per session.

Children age 6- 10 will be introduced to native plants and wildlife, including insects, reptiles, mammals and birds, in our Winged Wonders program. They will learn about life cycles, climate change, the importance of habitat and more, through outdoor adventures and arts & crafts activites.

Youth age 11 - 14 will engage in hands-on projects, such as landscaping, and build features that enhance the property for people and animals. They will also learn wilderness and other skills that come in handy for outdoor exploration, wildlife identification and environmental conservation, through our Working Wonders program.

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.

Session Times: 8:30AM - 12:00PM Session Fee: $60

Session 1: July 8 – 12

Butterflies, Birds & Bugs: We have all three in abundance at the NBC! Learn how to find them, identify, name and feed them, as you discover our gardens, hunt our trails, and hike the baritol. We’ll cover lifecycle, food chain, habitat, behavior and more! - CLOSED

Session 2: July 15 – 19

Plant for Success!: Get out your green thumb and grow, grow, grow! Learn to collect and clean seed for germination and cuttings for cultivation. Connect native plants to butterflies as larval hosts and nectar sources, so we may restore lost habitat and beautify our neighborhoods and homes. - CLOSED

Session 3: July 22 – 26

Ready, Set, Track: The NBC has a wild nightlife! We see evidence of it every morning…. Learn to determine species by their tracks, scat, and other tell-tale signs of activity, then man the 'trail cams' for a week, to get to know some of South Texas' native species, when they think no one is watching. - REGISTER HERE

Session 4: July 29 – August 2

Creepy Crawlers: From juicy, horned caterpillars to tarantulas and Texas Indigoes, the NBC is home to a remarkable variety of insects and reptiles. Explore the gardens and trails in search of Spiny Lizards, Unicorn Mantis and more, while learning about the often “invisible” animals that inhabit our homes and yards, alongside us. - REGISTER HERE

Session 5: August 5 – August 9

Survivor South Texas: Heat, drought, thorny brush and stinging bugs. How do you deal with these? We'll share skills and knowledge to help you handle the challenges of our desert climate, whether you're pitching camp, clearing trails, or searching for food in the great outdoors! - REGISTER HERE

Paid sessions may be cancelled with two weeks advance notice, and a $10 penalty.

Contact Marianna at 956.583.5400 ext. 751, for more information.

Make it a Super Summer at the National Butterfly Center

$25/week for children ages 7 - 12. All camps 8:00 AM - 12 PM, Monday - Friday

Pre-registration required. All classes limited to 20 participants.

July 10 - 14: Shutterbugs: Want to see the world in a whole new way? Join Luciano and Alex for a week of outdoor exploration and instruction, where digital cameras will be the young naturalist's tool for understanding and interpreting everything wild and wonderful they encounter, here.

July 17 - 21: Critter Camp: Everyone's favorite camp features close encounters with wildlife! Learn more about the insects, reptiles, birds and mammals that inhabit the Lower Rio Grande Valley through hands-on activities, games and discovery with our enthusiastic staff.

July 24 - 28: Bug Out: Gain practical skills and in-depth knowledge of precious resources, pitfalls and hacks for navigating the great outdoors. Be confident and prepared for adventure at any time!