Store and Community Nature Events
Scroll for the list of local tours, talks, and other events sponsored by us or organizations we collaborate with. Sharing the joy of birds and nature is at the core of Wild Birds Unlimited. Here at your locally owned WBU McAllen store, we're committed to helping our fellow Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors connect with the unique ecology and wildlife the Valley has to offer.
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CRAFT WORKSHOP
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Make it & Take It: Northern Cardinal Decoupage | In-Store | 2–3:30 p.m.
Do you love crafting in community? Looking for something to do this summer that gets you out of the heat and connected with other people?
Join local artist Bonnie Farmer to create your very own Northern Cardinal artwork! She will provide all the expertise and materials—all you need to do is grab a ticket (and maybe a friend) to join in the fun!
Get more info and buy your ticket on Bonnie's Eventbrite page.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR
Bonnie Farmer is a local artist specializing in mixed media. Check out Bonnie's Facebook page.
MASTER GARDEN VISIT
Saturday, August 15, 2026
See Composting in Action! | San Juan, TX | 8:30–10 a.m.
Come join one of the RGV's #1 advocates for composting on a visit to the composting area of the Hidalgo County Master Gardener Association's Educational Garden! Texas Master Gardener Janet Schofield will guide us, sharing her wealth of experience as we witness the magic of what compost can accomplish. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and participate in the process!
At 8:30 a.m., meet at the gates to the Education Garden, located at the southeast corner of San Juan Park, 509 E. Earling Rd., San Juan, TX 78589.
Afterward, we'll regroup in our McAllen store for Janet's 2 p.m. talk on composting and "hugelkulture"—a zero-waste gardening technique! Details below.
ABOUT OUR EXPERT GUIDE
Janet Schofield is a Texas Master Gardener with both the Hidalgo County Master Gardener Association and the Cameron County Master Gardener Association. She is also a Texas Master Naturalist. Janet has a special interest in sustainability, particularly the Kill Your Lawn initiative. Janet's passion for compost, hugelkultur, orchids, forest gardens and more is contagious!
NATURE TALK
Saturday, August 15, 2026
"Composting 101" | In-Store | 2–3 p.m.
Are you compost-curious but not sure where to start? You're not going to want to miss this talk!
If you've met our speaker Janet Schofield, then you know how passionate she is about this topic. She's the perfect person to walk you through various methods of composting—with her expert tips sprinkled throughout! She's even going to touch on one of her related passion projects: "hugelkultur"—a zero-waste gardening technique.
BONUS
If you're eager to witness the power of composting firsthand, join her at 8 a.m. for a visit to the composting area of the Hidalgo County Texas Master Gardener Association's Educational Garden in San Juan, TX. Details above.
ABOUT OUR EXPERT GUIDE
Janet Schofield is a Texas Master Gardener with both the Hidalgo County Master Gardener Association and the Cameron County Master Gardener Association. She is also a Texas Master Naturalist. Janet has a special interest in sustainability, particularly the Kill Your Lawn initiative. Janet's passion for compost, hugelkultur, orchids, forest gardens and more is contagious!
NATURE WALK
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Plant Walk & Insect Count | McAllen, TX | 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Are you curious about insects? Have you ever wondered what it's like to participate in a citizen science project?
Join us for a hands-on workshop at the McAllen Nature Center, where we'll survey trees and shrubs to count caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other arthropods living on their leaves.
Why does this matter? The information we collect helps scientists better understand local biodiversity and how insect populations are connected to bird populations, plant selection, and the health of ecosystems throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Along the way, we'll also document the phenology (seasonal life cycle stages) of the plants we observe. This is a great opportunity to practice using iNaturalist, learn about the fascinating relationships between plants and wildlife, and contribute meaningful data as a citizen scientist.
Location: McAllen Nature Center, 4101 US-83 BUS, McAllen, TX
Then at 2 p.m., join us in-store for a FREE screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar," followed by a panel with local conservation leaders! Details below.
ABOUT OUR EXPERT GUIDE
Roberto Gaitan is President of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (visit their Facebook page). He's a Master Naturalist, is Native Landscape Certified, and loves sharing his knowledge of the RGV's native flora and fauna. He also teaches Native Landscape Certification Program classes around the Valley.
FILM SCREENING
Saturday, August 22, 2026
"The Extraordinary Caterpillar" | In-Store | 2–3:30 p.m.
Join us for a sneak peak into the hidden lives of caterpillars with a special FREE screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar"!
The stunning macro videography of this film illuminates caterpillars' vital role in the food web that supports us all.
After the film, stick around for an insightful Q&A with local conservation leaders to learn simple ways you can help protect caterpillars in the Rio Grande Valley. Our expert panel:
- Roberto Gaitan, RGV Chapter Native Plant Society of Texas
- Stephanie Lopez, National Butterfly Center
- Kristy Baker, native plant and butterfly enthusiast
BONUS
Eager to encounter some caterpillars and contribute to a citizen science project? Meet us at 8:30 a.m. at the McAllen Nature Center for a plant walk and insect count! More info above.
Native Plant Tours
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Run by ethnobotanist Benito Treviño (featured by American Forests) and wife Toni.
- 621 W La Sagunada Rd., Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Birding Tours and Retreats
- Nature Ninja Birding Tours offers exceptional guided tours and all-inclusive birding retreats in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
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Led by local birding whiz Tiffany Kersten, featured in Texas Monthly magazine.
Free Admission to Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
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Last Saturday and Sunday of each month
- A 40-acre wetlands oasis in the heart of Edinburg where you can spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
- Part of the World Birding Center network.
- 714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg, TX 78542
King Ranch Nature Tours
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Recognized as an Internationally Important Bird Area, the King Ranch offers guided bird watching and wildlife tours through their diverse South Texas habitats where nearly 400 species of birds have been recorded.
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Home to the U.S.' largest known population of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls.
- Locations vary by tour.
For older events, please see our Past Events page.