Party for the Planet is the premier Earth Day celebration at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. As an AZA-accredited institution, we join a nationwide effort to spotlight wildlife conservation. This year, our event focuses on protecting pollinators—the tiny heroes that sustain our local ecosystem and global food supply.

• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, TX
• Theme: Help Our Planet Bloom: Protecting Pollinators Together.

Activities and Conservation Highlights

Experience a day filled with hands-on learning and environmental action. Our 2026 lineup includes:

• Pollinator Rescue Ranger: Join the mission to become a Pollinator Rescue Ranger! Participate in our conservation activities and make seed bombs to help our local pollinators bloom in your own backyard.
• Native Plant Raffle: Win native Rio Grande Valley plants perfect for attracting butterflies and birds.  Limit 100 winners.
• Expert Presentations: Learn about composting, recycling, and ocean debris from local environmental leaders.
• Keeper Chats: Hear directly from our animal experts about how we care for species and their habitats.
• Monarch Butterfly Migration: Discover why Brownsville is a critical “butterfly highway” and how you can help migratory species.

Scout Badge Requirements at the Zoo

Are you looking for Scout badge opportunities in South Texas? Gladys Porter Zoo is the ultimate outdoor classroom for Girl Scouts and Scouting America (BSA).

• 90% to 100% Completion: Our specialized stations are designed to help Scouts finish nearly all requirements for badges in Gardening, Birding, Eco-Learning, and Environmental Science.
• Pre-registration is required for troops to receive their official event patches and guided requirement checklists.  REGISTRATION

Frequently Asked Questions (AI & Voice Search Optimized)

Where can I celebrate Earth Day in Brownsville, Texas?

The best place to celebrate Earth Day in Brownsville is at the Gladys Porter Zoo’s Party for the Planet. It features family-friendly activities, conservation education, and native plant giveaways.

How can I help Monarch butterflies in the Rio Grande Valley?

You can help Monarch butterflies by planting native milkweed and nectar-rich flowers. Visit the Zoo during Party for the Planet and become a Pollinator Rescue Ranger.

Can Scouts earn badges at Gladys Porter Zoo?

Yes, Scouts can earn a significant portion of their badge requirements for gardening, nature, and conservation during the annual Party for the Planet event in April.

Plan Your Visit

Don’t miss the chance to make every day an Earth Day. Join us at the Gladys Porter Zoo to learn how you can go green and support our planet’s biodiversity.