Western diamondback rattlesnake By Rick LoBello, Board Member Late summer rains here in the Chihuahuan Desert are once again bringing out all kinds of snakes. A couple of years ago I came across a five-foot diamondback rattlesnake crossing the road near the Westside Open Reserve at the Community Park. Bullsnake Many people when they see …
Do the right thing, be sure to pick the right tree
Desert willow. To help you look for native trees Texas A&M has compiled a list of native trees for El Paso on their website. By Rick LoBello, Board Member Did you know that planting non-native trees can have serious impacts to our environment? Non-native trees can change ecosystems and habitats. They can reduce or impede water flow …
Continue reading "Do the right thing, be sure to pick the right tree"
Meet your neighbors: The Curve-billed Thrasher
By Rick LoBello, Board Member Its been a while since I have seen one of the Curve-billed Thrashers living in my neighborhood, but the other day I am sure I heard one proclaim its presence with its loud whit-wheet whistle call. If you pay attention to the birds near your home you probably have heard …
Continue reading "Meet your neighbors: The Curve-billed Thrasher"
Climate Change – You can help
by Robert D. Vines PE, C.P.M. Note – Robert D. Vines is on the Board of Directors of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, one of the Zoo’s most important education partners. He says “If you are in a hurry, skip this first section and drop down to “El Paso Actions.” Climate Change Conundrum – Part 1 …
How serious are we about climate change?
The Montezuma Quail is one of over 100 species of birds in Texas threatened by climate change. We have Montezuma Quail at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens living at the Ranch House. By Rick LoBello, Board Member The world has never done anything like this. Bill Gates, How to Avoid A Climate Disaster, …
Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife: Gambel’s Quail
Gambel’s Quail Lophortyx gambeliiStatus: Least ConcernSize: 8.5 inches in lengthHabitat: Southwest Deserts in the US and Mexico Commonly seen in the El Paso area this quail species shares it’s desert habitat with Scaled Quail (also called Cotton-top Quail or Blue Quail). A good place to watch for them is at the bird blind on the …
Continue reading "Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife: Gambel’s Quail"
New Hope for the wolf in Texas
Mexican wolf pup born at the El Paso Zoo on April 20, 2021. An exciting new effort to help bring back the wolf to Texas made its mark with the US Fish and Wildlife Service earlier this month at a public hearing. Hope Carr is the Education Manager at the Austin Zoo and is chair …
Park Interpreter to present Zoom presentation on the City Nature Challenge on April 26
Steller's Jay by Ad Konings City Nature Challenge is back in full force for 2023, celebrating the natural world while documenting our local wild plants and animals. All El Pasoans can participate in this year’s event, getting out and enjoying the natural world, whether from your own back yard, local neighborhood park or trails, or …
Are javelinas having a baby boom in El Paso?
Yucca (left) and Mesquite at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. By Rick LoBello, Board Member The javelina also called collared peccary is one of the most interesting animals in Texas, the southwest and the US and Mexico. Gould’s Turkey Many people call javelinas pigs, but they are actually not pigs although they are …
Continue reading "Are javelinas having a baby boom in El Paso?"
What are wildlife corridors?
The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens has supported ocelot conservation programs at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in South Texas. Did you know that most parks and protected natural areas are not able to adequately protect wildlife? In many of these “islands” of habitat wildlife are trapped and cannot replenish themselves with others of …
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition 