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Published: Thursday, 24 October 2024 21:56
By: U.S. Senator John Cornyn
Monarch butterflies have captured the hearts of Texans for generations, from students in grade school classrooms growing them from caterpillars to full-grown adults to the Texas legislature designating the Monarch butterfly as our official state insect in 1995. What many Texans may not know is that these seemingly delicate creatures share our same grit and steadfast determination to survive.
Each year, Monarchs embark on a journey that spans thousands of miles, one of the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom. This incredible voyage transcends borders, cultures, and time.
You may have spotted the Monarch migration, which can cover up to 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico, passing through Texas. This 300-mile wide path stretches from Wichita Falls in the North to Eagle Pass in the South, making Texas a waypoint for these beautiful butterflies. During their migration, the Monarchs face numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions, habitat loss, and a shrinking food supply, but in true Texas fashion, they face these challenges head—or antennae—first.
Read more: Texas’ Reigning Monarchs
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Published: Thursday, 24 October 2024 21:48
For Texans, saving millions of migratory birds could be as simple as flipping a switch.
Each year, nearly two billion birds migrate through the Lone Star State. Many of the migratory species use the night sky as a tool to navigate through the state and back to their homes and breeding grounds.
However, nighttime light pollution has become a growing challenge for many birds, leading to high rates of building strikes and migratory bird deaths. Lights Out, Texas! is an initiative focused on reducing bird losses to building strikes by enlisting the help of Texans.
Read more: Three ways to protect migratory birds this fall
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Published: Friday, 18 October 2024 16:26
Hello and welcome back to South Texas and to the Rio Grande Valley! We are so excited that you have come back to visit us. And if you are new to the Valley – you are definitely in for a treat.
The Rio Grande Valley is a great place to be – we say and hear it every year from our Winter visitors and friends. Great weather, great people, and great friends.
I am looking forward to cooler temperatures – which haven’t quite made it this way yet, but it looks like we have some in the forecast. At least it isn’t crazy hot. This slightly cooler weather encourages us to be outdoors a bit more and gives us a chance to enjoy more of what the Valley has to offer. We always find that this time of year is just the right time for everyone to make their return to the Valley – those crazy hot temps have left, and y’all bring the cooler temps with you.
Read more: Welcome back to the RGV!
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Published: Friday, 18 October 2024 16:18
The Museum of South Texas History hosts Logan Dovalina to present “The Discovery of Shary Heights: A Mid-Century Journey,” a Sunday Speaker Series presentation at 2 p.m., October 20.
This presentation will focus on Shary Heights, an undiscovered post-war neighborhood in Mission, Texas. Shary Heights is an example of mid-century dynamics, showcasing landscape architecture, community development and the importance of flora in modernist living. In its early days, it served as a canvas for five Valley architects and welcomed dignitaries, including former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Today, it is nominated for the National Register of Historic Places and is the subject of an upcoming book, “Una Vida Moderna: Self-Discovery and Architecture in the Texas-Mexico Borderlands.”
Read more: The Discovery of Shary Heights
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Published: Friday, 18 October 2024 16:12
The Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers have begun 2024-2025 seasonal meetings. The woodcarvers are meeting at the Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 W. Nolana Blvd., in Pharr.
The club has a long history in the Valley dating back to 1983. Carving club members come from as far away as New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Canada, not to mention the members from right here in the Valley. They visit to follow a common passion: woodcarving.
Read more: Woodcarvers are ready for the season
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Published: Friday, 18 October 2024 16:10
Native Plant Project's guest speaker for the October 22 meeting in Weslaco will be Ernesto Herrera, a wildlife biologist born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. Herrera received his MS in Biology at UTRGV where he researched pollinator syndromes and distribution. He spends his free time collecting native plants and seeds and caring for his many pets.
In summarizing his program, Herrera asks, "Have you ever looked closely at our local wildflowers and noticed a plethora of tiny bees that look nothing like the well-known European honeybee? They're likely native bees! This program will cover what those bees are named, their habitats, and how you can help them to thrive."
Read more: Native Plant Project meeting October 22
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Published: Friday, 18 October 2024 12:59
Angels of Love invites you to join their group empowerment classes program for survivors of domestic violence. Whether you’re a survivor, supporter, or simply seeking knowledge, your presence can make a difference.
Let’s stand together, educate, and support one another in creating a safer, more informed community. Register today at (956) 382-4263 and help spread awareness and support.
Read more: Angels of Love invites you to join them
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Published: Friday, 18 October 2024 12:55
On October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
On October 25, you can safely dispose of unused medications at two Valley locations – Harlingen Health Care Clinic, 2601 Veterans Drive; and McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic, 901 E. Hackberry Ave. You can also drop off in Laredo at Laredo Outpatient Clinic, 4602 N. Bartlett Ave., and in Corpus at Corpus Christi Specialty Clinic, 205 Enterprize Parkway.
Read more: VA encourages turn-in of unused medications
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Published: Monday, 05 August 2024 12:10
by Ashley Vargo
If you feel like you’re the victim of itchy mosquito bites more often than others, it may not be all in your head.
Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist, professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology and self-proclaimed mosquito magnet from Stephenville, said there is some scientific evidence that mosquitoes have preferences for who to land and feed on.
Read more: Are you a mosquito magnet? Science says you might be
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Published: Wednesday, 20 March 2024 19:41
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution, the McAllen Veterans War Memorial Committee, and local officials for a special unveiling ceremony for a new wall commemorating Spain’s contribution to the American Revolution on Tuesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the McAllen Veterans War Memorial, 3129 Galveston Ave.
Spain, through its alliance with France and as part of its conflict with Britain, played a significant role in the independence of the United State. Spain declared war on Britain as an ally of France. Spain was an ally of the American colonies and supplied the Revolutionaries with military support, desperately needed arms, supplies, and currency.
The McAllen Heritage Center Museum of History and Culture is very pleased to present the newest exhibit, courtesy of the Bullock Texas State History Museum. They will host a special open house and reception event on Thursday, March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
There’s something special about the annual Winter Texas softball Can-Am (Canada-America) games.
According to a recent survey, Mission, TX is on the top ten snowbird destinations in the United States. The City of Mission is the number one Winter Texan (we don’t use the word snowbirds) destination in the State of Texas.
One of the things that we hear around here is that Winter Texans come to the Valley during the winter months so they can still live an active lifestyle. If they were still up north, they would be stuck inside during snowstorms, and wouldn’t have much to do but a few indoor activities when it is too cold outside. The only activity they would really get is shoveling snow, and that is something they don’t want to be doing.
