Often, combing through the internet for new content can feel like swimming through a sea of either stale information or blatant misinformation. Once upon a time, people would comb through encyclopedias sold to them for a pretty penny by a real person who knocked on their door one afternoon, in the hopes that at the right moment of curiosity, they might find the answer they needed in its pages. The age of information gathering and sourcing has expanded to include using one’s best judgment, which is easier said than done.
Sometimes getting to the source seems like an impossible task, as our algorithms stray further from what we want to find and become less and less relevant or helpful to us. As with most worthy endeavors, starting local may provide the cleanse your feed has been needing. Getting in touch with what we know and have immediate access to can be a great way to clear the fog when it comes to the overstimulation of the fast-moving internet zeitgeist.
In other words, sometimes it’s important to know when to touch grass. Be it gardening advice, information on the wildlife around us or health-related questions, here are some accounts for those looking to reconnect with credible sources that keep our community educated on various topics.
Harte Research Institute
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Appreciating the natural ecological features and diverse species of the land we’re lucky to inhabit is what Harte Research Center (@harteresearch) is all about. Len Headway, senior communications specialist for Harte, identified the crux of its social media presence as focusing on the science and researchers behind its content as well as the pursuit to connect its audience to the Gulf of Mexico and “understand[ing] the role that science and community play in protecting it.”
Gill’s Garden Center + Landscape Co.
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A center for landscape horticulture and plant education over the last 48 years, Gill’s (@gills.corpus) feed blends appreciation for locally sustainable plant varieties as well as tips and tricks for helping your home garden and plants to thrive. Anyone looking to nurture their green thumb is a follow away.
Texas State Aquarium
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The largest aquarium in the state of Texas and one of the most beloved institutions in the Coastal Bend, the Texas State Aquarium (@txstateaquarium) boasts a feed as diverse and full of life as the marine critters who call it home. While offering a direct look into the conservation efforts the scientists and staff at the aquarium perform every day, it also never misses an opportunity to post reels of otters playing to make you cry happy tears in the middle of your workday.
Little Jade Bonsai
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Little Jade Bonsai (@littlejadebonsai) boasts a feed and follower count worthy of local celebrity status. Portulacaria afra bonsai artist Gilbert Cantu gives followers a look into the intrinsic craft of bonsai maintenance and styling, with previews of his extensive collection and greenhouse, as well as behind-the-scenes reels for those looking to learn about the process.
Padre Island National Seashore
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Padre Island National Seashore (@padreislandnps) offers visitors regular looks into the life and activities along the 66 miles of coastline, showcasing the many creatures native to the shoreline and sharing updates on volunteer efforts and opportunities for the community.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve
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A welcome attraction for nature-goers in the Coastal Bend, the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve (@osobaywetlandspreserve) provides the community with a preview of the beauty waiting in its 162-acre nature preserve. Those interested in programming at its all-ages Learning Center can expect regular updates on daily operations through their page.
TAMUCC’s Special Collections Archives
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Sifting the feed of TAMUCC’s Special Collections Archives (@tamuccspecoll) elicits the sort of nostalgia for people and a time you likely have never known in spaces you do. This page gives a look into the history of Corpus Christi as seen through the grain of mostly black-and-white photographs likely to capture awe from ardent followers.
KEDT
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Since Oct. 26, 1972, KEDT (@yourkedt) has been on the air, offering the Coastal Bend public reliable broadcasting and PBS programming. On its page, you can find daily programming information and links to support the station. In a period of severe cuts to federally funded public broadcasting, there has likely never been a better time to support your local PBS station.
Aubri Lutz, IBCLC
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Aubri Lutz (@lutz.lactation) gives followers who may be at their wits’ end with breastfeeding a light in the dark with her page, with its wealth of knowledge on all things lactation and “feeding tiny humans.” From carousels on skin-to-skin and a supportive community of other new moms and parents, Lutz’s page feels like the dose of positivity and hand to hold most new parents have likely been yearning for.
Cassidy Hinojosa
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Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa (@dr.cassidyhinojosa) is the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon behind the only female-founded and led aesthetic and reconstructive surgery practice in Corpus Christi. Her page offers followers a blend of empowerment in their beauty and wellness journey, along with transparent information on specific products and procedures offered at her clinic.
