BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//San Antonio River Authority - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:San Antonio River Authority X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es X-WR-CALDESC:Eventos para San Antonio River Authority REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T103000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260514T185013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T185519Z UID:10001035-1784104200-1784111400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Guided Bike Ride Series - UNESCO City of Gastronomy DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/guided-bike-ride-series-unesco-city-of-gastronomy/ LOCATION:9101 Graf Rd\, San Antonio\, TX 78214\, 9101 Graf Rd\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78214 CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/biking-FALL25-FB-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T190000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260507T134850Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T201322Z UID:10001020-1784224800-1784228400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Current Reads at Confluence Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/current-reads-at-san-pedro-creek-culture-park-3/ LOCATION:Confluence Park\, 301 W. Mitchell\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SPC-Current-Reads-2026-16-9_converted.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T150000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260629T201007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T201007Z UID:10001067-1784275200-1784300400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Field Day at Helton Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-field-day-at-helton-nature-park-2/ LOCATION:Helton Nature Park\, 15662 FM 775\, Floresville\, TX\, 78114\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-NFD-FB.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260717T103000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260519T185959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T204953Z UID:10001050-1784278800-1784284200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Days - Nature Journals at Helton Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-days-nature-journals-at-helton-nature-park/ LOCATION:Helton Nature Park\, 15662 FM 775\, Floresville\, TX\, 78114\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-days-FB-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T203000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260508T184738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T184738Z UID:10001024-1784665800-1784671200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Summer 2026 Movie Series - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/summer-2026-movie-series-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-mutant-mayhem/ LOCATION:Escondido Creek Parkway\, 208 N. Sunset Strip\, Kenedy\, 78119\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Park-Movies-FB-20263.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260722T203000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260722T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260508T185356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T185356Z UID:10001025-1784752200-1784757600@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Summer 2026 Movie Series - Bad Guys 2 DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/summer-2026-movie-series-bad-guys-2/ LOCATION:Branch River Park\, 445 South Commercial Street\, Goliad\, 77963\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Park-Movies-FB-20264.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T103000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260519T191047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T205031Z UID:10001051-1784797200-1784802600@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Days - Texas Natives at Jackson Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-days-texas-natives-at-jackson-nature-park/ LOCATION:Jackson Nature Park\, 9284 County Road 401\, Stockdale\, 78160\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-days-FB-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260724T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260514T204442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T141235Z UID:10001042-1784919600-1784930400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Free Summer Music Series DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/free-summer-music-series-4/ LOCATION:Branch River Park\, 445 South Commercial Street\, Goliad\, 77963\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-Music-FB-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T110000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260629T201554Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T150001Z UID:10001069-1784970000-1784977200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Fin Addict Clinic at Acequia Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/fin-addict-clinic-at-acequia-park/ LOCATION:Acequia Park\, 8500 Mission Pkwy\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78223\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FinAddict_FB_General-2026_7-25-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T090000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260519T192437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T192437Z UID:10001055-1785225600-1785229200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Walks Series: Museum Reach DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-walks-series-museum-reach/ LOCATION:Museum Reach\, North of Downtown\, San Antonio\, 78216\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-walks-FB-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T100000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210233 CREATED:20260514T185755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T201647Z UID:10001036-1785315600-1785319200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Guided Bike Ride Series - Nature Journals DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/guided-bike-ride-series-nature-journals/ LOCATION:Confluence Park\, 301 W. Mitchell\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/biking-FALL25-FB-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260730T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260730T103000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260519T191315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T202022Z UID:10001052-1785402000-1785407400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Days - Art in Nature at Mustard Seed Plaza DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-days-art-in-nature-at-mustard-seed-plaza/ LOCATION:Mustard Seed Plaza\, 150 Camp St\, San Antonio\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-days-FB-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260731T203000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260731T213000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260629T202108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T202252Z UID:10001070-1785529800-1785533400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Friday Night Hike at Trueheart Ranch DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/friday-night-hike-at-trueheart-ranch/ LOCATION:Trueheart Ranch Nature Park\, 14984 Blue Wing Rd\, San Antonio\, 78221\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2025-night-hike_FB.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T090000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260519T192800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T192800Z UID:10001057-1785830400-1785834000@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Walks Series: Hendrick Arnold Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-walks-series-hendrick-arnold-nature-park/ LOCATION:Hendrick Arnold Nature Park\, 8950 Fitzhugh Rd\, San Antonio\, 78252\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-walks-FB-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T100000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260514T190024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T190219Z UID:10001037-1785920400-1785924000@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Guided Bike Ride Series - Birding DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/guided-bike-ride-series-birding-2/ LOCATION:Confluence Park\, 301 W. Mitchell\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/biking-FALL25-FB-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260807T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260514T205030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T141501Z UID:10001043-1786129200-1786140000@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Free Summer Music Series DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/free-summer-music-series-5/ LOCATION:Escondido Creek Parkway\, 208 N. Sunset Strip\, Kenedy\, 78119\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-Music-FB-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T103000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260514T200435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T201839Z UID:10001038-1786523400-1786530600@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Guided Bike Ride Series - The Role of the San Antonio River DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/guided-bike-ride-series-the-role-of-the-san-antonio-river-2/ LOCATION:9101 Graf Rd\, San Antonio\, TX 78214\, 9101 Graf Rd\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78214 CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/biking-FALL25-FB-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T200000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260505T150121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T150121Z UID:10001015-1786561200-1786564800@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Drum Circle at San Pedro Creek Culture Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/drum-circle-at-san-pedro-creek-culture-park-2/ LOCATION:715 Camaron St. San Antonio TX\, 78204\, 715 Camaron St\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Family Friendly,Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DrumCircle_FB2026_2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260508T185908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T185908Z UID:10001026-1787083200-1787090400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Summer 2026 Movies Series - The Barbie Movie DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/summer-2026-movies-series-the-barbie-movie/ LOCATION:Escondido Creek Parkway\, 208 N. Sunset Strip\, Kenedy\, 78119\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Park-Movies-FB-20265.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260508T191012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T214346Z UID:10001027-1787169600-1787176800@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Summer 2026 Movie Series - Nacho Libre DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/summer-2026-movie-series-nacho-libre/ LOCATION:Branch River Park\, 445 South Commercial Street\, Goliad\, 77963\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Park-Movies-FB-2026-nacho.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T150000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260629T201346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T201346Z UID:10001068-1787299200-1787324400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Field Day at Helton Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-field-day-at-helton-nature-park-3/ LOCATION:Helton Nature Park\, 15662 FM 775\, Floresville\, TX\, 78114\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-NFD-FB.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260821T220000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260514T205656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T141758Z UID:10001044-1787338800-1787349600@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Free Summer Music Series DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/free-summer-music-series-6/ LOCATION:Branch River Park\, 445 South Commercial Street\, Goliad\, 77963\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-Music-FB-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T090000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260519T193104Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T193104Z UID:10001058-1787644800-1787648400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Walks Series: Mission Reach DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-walks-series-mission-reach/ LOCATION:Mission Reach\, 8500 Mission Parkway\, San Antonio\, 78223\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-walks-FB-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T100000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260514T201340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T201457Z UID:10001039-1787734800-1787738400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Guided Bike Ride Series - Art Along the River DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/guided-bike-ride-series-art-along-the-river/ LOCATION:Confluence Park\, 301 W. Mitchell\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/biking-FALL25-FB-v2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260901T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260901T090000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260519T193547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T193547Z UID:10001059-1788249600-1788253200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Walks Series: Jackson Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-walks-series-jackson-nature-park-2/ LOCATION:Jackson Nature Park\, 9284 County Road 401\, Stockdale\, 78160\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-walks-FB-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260912T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260912T130000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260227T223645Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T214232Z UID:10001003-1789207200-1789218000@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Race the River 2026 - SASPAMCO DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/race-the-river-2026-saspamco/ LOCATION:6890 S Loop 1604 E\, Elmendorf\, TX 78112\, United States\, 6890 S Loop 1604 E\, Elmendorf\, 78112\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SASPAMCO_RTR.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260922T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260922T090000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260519T193719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T193719Z UID:10001060-1790064000-1790067600@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Walks Series: Trueheart Ranch Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-walks-series-trueheart-ranch-nature-park-2/ LOCATION:Trueheart Ranch Nature Park\, 14984 Blue Wing Rd\, San Antonio\, 78221\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-walks-FB-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260929T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260929T090000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260519T193932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T193932Z UID:10001061-1790668800-1790672400@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Nature Walks Series: Museum Reach DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/nature-walks-series-museum-reach-2/ LOCATION:Museum Reach\, North of Downtown\, San Antonio\, 78216\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-nature-walks-FB-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T150000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260709T182344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T182344Z UID:10001071-1792234800-1792249200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Fall Fest at Helton Nature Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/fall-fest-at-helton-nature-park/ LOCATION:Helton Nature Park\, 15662 FM 775\, Floresville\, TX\, 78114\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Fall-Fest-2026-FB_v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261111T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261111T200000 DTSTAMP:20260712T210234 CREATED:20260505T150618Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T150618Z UID:10001016-1794423600-1794427200@www.sariverauthority.org SUMMARY:Drum Circle at San Pedro Creek Culture Park DESCRIPTION:Did you know there’s more to the mosquito story than just itchy\, annoying “bites”? This spring\, we’ve been fortunate to receive a good deal of rain\, blessing us with plenty of spring and summer blooms but also creating ideal conditions for robust mosquito populations because of their notorious connection to water: they need it to breed! While we love to hate them\, when we learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes\, we can understand effective and healthy ways to manage their populations\, thus protecting people\, pets\, and wildlife! With more balanced mosquito populations (fewer bites!)\, we can also gain greater appreciation for their role in our local ecosystems. Psorophora cyanescens\, a native species of mosquito in the family Culicidae. Photo Credit: tsunub (CC-BY-NC)What Exactly Is a Mosquito\, Anyway?The name “mosquito” originates from Spanish and Portuguese\, where it means “little fly” (mosca means “fly\,” and –ito means “little”). As their name suggests\, they are a type of (little) fly that lays eggs in stagnant or slow-moving water or areas that are frequently inundated by rainwater. Practically no water is too shallow—even a capful can host growing mosquitoes! You can often first detect mosquitoes by seeing their wriggling\, worm-like larvae in standing water. This often happens in the days after rain when water pools in items like buckets\, wheelbarrows\, plant saucers\, old tires\, clogged drains\, or gutters. The Life Cycle of a Mosquito — larval stage varies in length\, depending on the species – from a few days to over a month. Photo Credit: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \n \n \n \n \n \n Quiz Time! — We Dare You to Take a Bite at These! \n \n \n \n \n 1. True or False. All mosquitoes can bite. \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Only females “bite”—they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood to help in reproduction. \n \n \n \n 2. True or False. Mosquitoes are pollinators. \n \n \n \n \n \n True! Most adult mosquitoes are pollinators! \n \n \n \n 3. True or False. Mosquitoes only feed on blood.\n \n \n \n \n \n False! Adult mosquitoes mainly feed on plant nectar and sap\, while their larvae are aquatic and feed on things like algae and organic matter in the water. \n \n \n \n 4. True or False. Mosquitoes' only purpose is to bite us and make our lives miserable! \n \n \n \n \n \n False! Mosquitoes are an important food source for predators\, including fish\, dragonflies (as adults and as aquatic larvae!)\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. \n \n \n Could Mosquitoes Be… Beneficial?Absolutely! Mosquitoes play several valuable roles in our local ecosystems. Most adult mosquitoes—male and female alike—feed on plant nectar and sap\, making them important pollinators alongside butterflies and bees. Beyond pollination\, mosquito adults and their larvae serve as a vital food source for fish\, dragonflies\, bats\, lizards\, spiders\, and other insects. By learning these surprising facts\, we can gain a greater appreciation for the role mosquitoes play in our local ecosystems! Did you know? Some mosquitoes\, like the native Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites rutilus)\, feed exclusively on nectar! Their larvae also prey on the larvae of blood-sucking mosquitoes\, which helps to keep pest populations in check! Photo Credit: Lee Marlowe (CC-BY-NC)Dump\, Drain\, Repeat: Your Best DefenseWith 85 identified species of mosquitoes in Texas alone\, it’s understandable that many people turn to a frenzy of pesticides just so they can enjoy summer outdoors! Still\, some of these techniques fail to control mosquitoes and might unintentionally harm other creatures and even affect our own health. Some of the best ways to prevent mosquito takeovers in residential areas is to be vigilant and dump standing water in the days immediately after rain. Make it a scavenger hunt and get your neighbors on board too! Find any sources of ponded water and either dump the water into your garden or a covered rain barrel for later use! Where possible\, keep yard items tilted or upside down to prevent future ponding. Landscape Your Way to Fewer MosquitoesIf your yard often has standing water that lasts for more than 24 hours\, work with your landscape to improve drainage! Incorporating drainage paths away from structures and into a rain garden or more vegetated area may help soak up water that would otherwise breed more mosquitoes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to create your own rain garden? Learn how with our video series! Protecting Yourself and Your Backyard EcosystemAlthough there are some cool things about mosquitoes\, they can carry diseases to humans which makes population control and personal protection all the more important! To protect yourself and your loved ones\, use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing. — they even have a handy tool to find the best one for you! A gentle breeze from an overhead or box fan couldn’t hurt either\, as mosquitoes are weak fliers! For the ecosystem-aware person\, aerosol pesticides or insecticides — the kind often sprayed into the air or around the home and lawn to kill bugs — are not recommended. Pesticides are temporary\, and if not targeted at a specific insect group can harm beneficial insects and possibly even people and other animals nearby. You’ll definitely want to wear repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes like the Inland Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans) a widespread and frequently encountered mosquito across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa. Observation by Dennis WhiteIf you do happen to get bites\, here are some good resources for taking care of them!Mosquitoes\, despite their reputation as our adversaries\, play a vital role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and serving as a food source for other creatures. They create a fascinating link between land and water\, vital for the riparian ecosystems of our San Antonio River Basin and the food webs within them. So next time one buzzes by\, maybe give it just a little credit — from a safe distance\, of course! URL:https://www.sariverauthority.org/es/event/drum-circle-at-san-pedro-creek-culture-park-3/ LOCATION:715 Camaron St. San Antonio TX\, 78204\, 715 Camaron St\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78204\, United States CATEGORIES:Parks & Trails ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sariverauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DrumCircle_FB2026_3.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR