Valley Nature Center
Valley Nature Center is a 6-acre park and nature preserve in Weslaco, Texas. Its focus is environmental education about the natural history of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The center's activities include a summer camp, birding trips, natural history classes and lectures. There are programs for individuals, children and adults.
Secret Garden in the Heart of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Mission "To provide educational opportunities and to foster appreciation and understanding of the Lower Rio Grande Valley's unique natural communities of flora and fauna."
Company Overview The Valley Nature Center is the oldest nature center in the Rio Grande Valley, and the only non-profit center fully dedicated to environmental education south of San Antonio and east of Eagle Pass. It has been in operation as a non-profit organization dedicated to its mission since 1984.
Description The Valley Nature Center is an organization that exists because there have been a dedicated group of individuals who have come together for almost 20 years to turn a "vacant lot" in the middle of Weslaco into what it is today. Without their vision, their hard work and without the financial support of many individuals and organizations, that vacant lot might well be the site of an apartment complex today. Instead it is a green gem in the middle of the city that is now playing a significant part in educating both residents and visitors about the South Texas native landscape and the rich assortment of critters that it supports. Five acres of native habitat in the heart of Weslaco, home to hundreds of birds and butterflies. A trail leads visitors through the lush vegetation, cactus garden, bog ponds, and butterfly garden. Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, and Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds can be seen here, plus migrating birds in the spring and fall. The park is also home to the Texas Tortoise and the Texas Horned Lizard. The Center has weekly programs for all ages, offers guided tours, and hosts a native plant nursery with plants for sale. Visitors are invited to view the Center’s conservation resource library and gift shop for additional services.
Location: 301 S Border Ave Weslaco TX. Phone: 956-969-2475
Fee: $5.00 Adults $3.00 Sr 55+ $2.00 Children under 12 Hours: Mon closed Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat 8am-5pm Sun 1-5pm
External links
- Valley Nature Center - official site