Registration Information
Pre-registration is required for all of the following community programs. To register call 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 4740, (979) 863-2603 or e-mail matagordabay@lcra.org.
Programs Offered for Spring and Summer 2012
State of the Gulf-America’s Sea Screening
Friday, March 16
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. (duration of program: 1 hr., seated), FREE, all ages
The Redfish Room at Matagorda Bay Natural Science Center
Come enjoy Texas Parks and Wildlife’s documentary, narrated by Lydia Saldana, exploring the rich diversity of the Gulf of Mexico’s unique ecology, flora and fauna and important habitats.
Day on the Bay Wetland Kayak Trips
Saturdays, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 7 and Aug. 4
9 a.m. – noon, $40 per person includes a boat and all the needed equipment, $30 if you have your own boat and equipment, ages 8 and up
Come join us for a unique experience. Enjoy total tranquility and nature at its finest in stunning Matagorda. Our guided wetland kayak tours accommodate all skill levels and provide paddling instructions for the beginner. This is a wonderful way to relax, commune with nature and learn about LCRA’s efforts to protect and conserve the lower Colorado River and surrounding natural resources. So come hang out with the fish and the birds for a day!
Adventures in Beachcombing
Saturdays, March 10*, March 12*, March 13*, April 14, May 12, June 9 and July 14
8 a.m. -10 a.m., $8 per person, all ages
*Time will be from 10 a.m. – noon
Have you ever visited a beach, picked up a beautiful shell or other interesting beached item, and had no idea what they were? Come join Matagorda Bay Natural Science Center staff to have your questions answered and discover that there is definitely more to the beach than meets the eye. At the beach, every day is different – let’s walk and explore.
Wings over the Wetlands
Saturday, April 7
8 a.m. -10 a.m., $10 per person, all ages
What kind of bird is that and in what season is it most likely to appear? Join us for a beginners program on birding. Learn about birding equipment, migration routes, why Matagorda County has been No. 1 in the nation for bird species diversification during Audubon’s annual Christmas bird count. Also learn to identify shorebirds, wading birds and the resident birds of Matagorda Bay.
Friends of Fur and Feathers
Saturdays, Feb. 18, March 12, March 13, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 16, June 30 and July 21
1 p.m.-3 p.m., $8 per person, all ages
What natural resource is all around us? Wildlife! Learn about amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in this live animal presentation. Discover what animal is an important indicator of water quality as we explore ways we can be good stewards in this fun, hands-on program.
Paddle and Stroll
Saturdays, Feb. 18*, March 3*, March 14*, April 7*, May 5, June 2, July 21 and Aug. 18
9 a.m.- 11 a.m., $20 per person includes a boat and all the needed equipment, ages 8 and up
* Time will be from 1 p.m. -3 p.m.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park is pleased to offer this new hybrid program combining two of our most popular activities – kayaking and beachcombing! As we discuss the importance of the Colorado River, we will take a short paddle trip across it to explore the secluded beach of Matagorda Peninsula.
Conservation is NOT for the Birds
Saturday, August 11
2 p.m.-3 p.m., $5 per person, all ages
Learn about birds by examining bird wings, feet and bills. Use microscopes to view feathers and binoculars to spot shore birds. Discover what birds have in common with a compass. Explore ways to be good stewards by creating a bird feeder out of a recycled plastic bottle.
Cast Away
Saturdays, May 26, June 23, July 28 and August 25
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., $8 per person, all ages
What are the two most important things all living things need to survive? Water and food! Take a short stroll on the wetlands boardwalk to explore the importance of wetlands to healthy water, crabs, fish and shrimp. Then put your skill to the test as you toss a cast net.
Other dates may be available upon request. Contact LCRA for more details.
