Brownsville’s Resaca de la Palma boasts the largest tract of native habitat in the World Birding Center network. Visitors can enjoy over 8 miles of off-road trails, four observation decks that overlook four miles of resaca wetland, and a 2.76-mile paved loop by tram, hiking and biking. Bikes, binoculars, and Explorer Packs are available for rent.
The 100-acre National Butterfly Center is the premier location in the United States to experience the beauty, drama, and emotion of wild butterflies. A project of the nonprofit North American Butterfly Association, the center is designed to attract incredible numbers of beautiful, wild butterflies. Clouds of butterflies may be found at the National Butterfly Center because, by planting thousands of plants that the butterflies need for nectar and for caterpillar growth, we have created an outdoor paradise that sustains large populations and hundreds of species of wild butterflies.
We are the Rio Grande Valley’s premier destination for birdwatching. Our unique location on South Padre Island is the perfect place to observe the birds, butterflies, and natural wildlife in coastal South Texas. Visit us on South Padre Island, walk the bayfront boardwalks, take a birding tour and explore the natural life of the Rio Grande Valley.
History and nature meet on scenic bluffs above the Rio Grande, where the World Birding Center in Roma can be found on the old plaza of a once-thriving steamboat port. Part of a national historic district, the WBC Roma Bluffs includes a riverside nature area of three acres: The gateway to unforgettable birding adventures across Starr County.
The Magic Valley’s early 20th Century transition into an agricultural powerhouse is retold at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, which also embraces nature conservation as a wing of the World Birding Center. Visitors to this museum on the Rio Grande can learn about the steam-driven irrigation pumps that transformed Hidalgo County into a year-round farming phenomenon. They also can wander the museum’s grounds, where hummingbird gardens are planned, and where many of the Valley’s amazing bird species are regular visitors as well.
Estero Llano Grande in Weslaco attracts a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife with its varied landscape of shallow lake, woodlands and thorn forest. Even beginning birders and nature lovers will enjoy exploring this 230 plus-acre refuge, which is convenient to all the Rio Grande Valley has to offer.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center is a great place to begin a south Texas nature adventure. Guided tours offer our visitors a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitats. Special programs for teachers, students and young naturalists are available as well as citizen science projects such as Hawk Watch and the Christmas Bird Count. Make sure to check our program calendar for special events and workshops scheduled throughout the year.
Boca Chica State Park is located near Brownsville in southeastern Cameron County, Texas. Boca Chica is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, as is Brazos (Santiago) Island.
A 40-acre wetlands oasis in the midst of a lively urban landscape, the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands offers watchable wildlife year-round in a setting friendly to birds, butterflies and other water-loving creatures. The grounds offer three acres of paths and butterfly gardens, a large lake for wildlife viewing, Dragonfly pond, discover pond and indoor kids’ area and gift shop. You can check out Junior Ranger packs filled with activities and materials to help your little ones explore South Texas nature!
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center hosts school groups from pre-K through high school, scout groups, birding tours for all ages, challenge course facilitation, youth family programming, adult and senior history tours, speaker series programs, adult short courses in backyard habitat and birding! We have something for everyone!
Introducing children to a world of learning through creative hands-on interactive exhibits, workshops and activities.
Modern park with a water playground, sports facilities, walking trails & picnic areas.
Skateboarding! Little League! Basketball! Park also has a concrete walking trail, covered pavilion, for lots of Family fun! Community Park is located in the heart of Los Fresnos on Highway 100. It is the city’s oldest park, but new facilities added in 2012 continue to make this a favorite spot. It includes picnic areas, a playground, and a water‐spraying splash pad. Benches in the shade of a tall tree make a perfect spot to read a good book because the Whipple Memorial Library is just next door.
This small park is comprised of a basketball court, swing set, playground, and a picnic pavilion. A portion of the basketball court has been modified to accommodate a skate ramp.
Handmade jewelry and art that mirrors the natural beauty in each of us. Natural stones and freshwater pearls are used in our jewelry where nature is our main inspiration. Our pieces range from classic to more modern styles, but all are made in a timeless style with a unique artistic perspective.
Amor Bello Photography is a newborn, maternity, senior, and family photographer serving the lower Rio Grande Valley.
This lighted facility has picnic seating and barbecue grill, a full court basketball court, and a playground area, zip line, crushed granite walking trail, swimming pool, exercise equipment, covered pavilion. The outdoor facility is open to the public when not rented.
The Gladys Porter Zoo is an oasis nestled in the center of Brownsville, Texas. With 27 acres of lush tropical plants and some 1,500 animals, the Gladys Porter Zoo is known for its successes in breeding endangered species of wildlife.
Lincoln Park is 48 acres. This park hosts a variety of program options that include nature center, baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Located just outside the University of Texas RGV, the park provides a breath of fresh greenery and open space alongside the local urban landscape.
In the 3-acre park, you will find pavilions, basketball courts, spray park, community garden, and playground.
An online neighborhood group for those in the Lower Valley of South Texas, sponsored by RGV Moms Blog Check out the blog for more connection opportunities! http://www.RGVMomsBlog.com
This group is a safe place where RGV Moms can find support, resources, encouragement and friendship from other moms in our community. We come here to share and relate, seek advice, celebrate joy, empathize difficulties, and be honest.
If you are interested in helping as a Mombassador for this group or would like more information, email us at [email protected].
Morningside Park features 41 acres and consists of baseball fields, kickball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds, and pavilions. This park is a major destination for recreational sports. It also has a waterfront boardwalk perfect for bird-watching.
La Paloma Park is located south of San Benito, Texas, in the rural community of La Paloma. The Park offers a number of recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. Amenities include a walking trail, picnic pavilion, lighted soccer field, lighted baseball field, playground, basketball court, restrooms, concession stand and a splash pad. The Cameron County Health Department also has a satellite WIC office on location.
Pedro “Pete” Benavides Park is dedicated in memory of longtime County Commissioner Pedro “Pete” Benavides who was instrumental in the development of this park. The park is located at the corner of Browne Rd. and California, in the Southmost area of Brownsville, Texas. The Park is constructed on 64 acres of land adjacent to Resaca de la Guerra. Amenities at the park include; a lighted adult softball field, lighted little league baseball field, two lighted full-sized soccer fields, lighted basketball court, lighted volleyball court, playground and splash pad area, four small picnic pavilions, one large picnic pavilion, BBQ areas, a one mile Resaca frontage nature trail with two nature observation stations, and a 1.5 mile walking trail with 5 integrated workout stations.
This park has a 2-mile walking trail, 29 acres, 2 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, nature trails with scenic overlooks of the Arroyo Colorado, a playground, a volleyball area, a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, access to Arroyo Hike & Bike trail, and an exercise circuit.
Park amenities include a 1.2 walking trail, covered picnic shelters, soccer fields, restrooms, and a playground area.