Explore the 'wild side' of LCC’s science center Saturday

Caption: Laredo Community College student Gabriel Ortega and lab technician Arianna Gonzalez hold a baby alligator located in the living laboratory of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center at Laredo Community College.

The first Saturday of the month, Sept. 4, is the perfect opportunity to go wild at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center at Laredo Community College.

Located on the north side of the Fort McIntosh Campus, the environmental science center now features a new Natural History Exhibit Hall, which the public may view during a self-guided tour of the center's facilities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The natural history wing is a multi-purpose classroom hall that was built with continuing support from the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust to benefit students of all grade levels and nature lovers from the community.

"This addition is of great benefit to the center because it's allowing us to expand our exhibit space for the community to enjoy," center director Tom Miller said. "As the development of the exhibit hall continues, the center will be able to offer greater interaction, including special themed exhibitions throughout the year."

Some of the specimens currently located in the hall include a mounted porcupine, an American alligator and a black bear.

There also are some fossils found locally, including one of a mastodon jaw, and a collection of insects assembled in the 1960s.

Of course, some of the center's most popular residents will be waiting to welcome visitors, including the center's American alligators, bobcat, raccoon, coatimundi, fox, javelina, and an assortment of ducks, turtles and fish.

The center also features a group of young alligators.

Around 11 a.m., visitors will be able to feed some of the center's residents.

Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens. The center is free and open to LCC and TAMIU students, faculty and staff with a valid college ID card.

Prior to the tours, the center will officially launch the day with its monthly trail work project from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Volunteers from the community are invited to lend a helping hand. Tools, gloves and water will be available to those who help during the work day.

For more information, call the center at 764-5701.