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How to Get There: The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge is headquartered at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. It is located 7 miles south of Alamo, Texas, on FM 907 and 1/4 mile east on U.S. Highway 281.
Index: Birds, Butterflies, Other Wildlife, Habitat, Volunteering at the Refuge, Things to do at the Refuge.
From Falcon Dam to the Gulf of Mexico, the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) follows the last 275 river miles of the Rio Grande. Both the Central and Mississippi flyways funnel through the southern tip of Texas and many species of birds reach their extreme northernmost range here. In addition, subtropic, temperate, coastal and desert influences converge at this juncture creating an ideal situation for species diversity. Considered one of the most biologically diverse NWRs in the continental United States, LRGV represents 11 distinct biotic communities that are host or home to 1,100 types of plants, 700 vertebrate species (including 484 bird species) and over 300 species of butterflies.
Established in 1979, LRGV set the wheels in motion for connecting the natural existing tracts of brush lands left along the last stretch of the Rio Grande’s journey. Found within the lower four counties of Texas, the refuge currently contains more than 90,000 acres and is considered a top priority acquisition area by the Fish & Wildlife Service. Still in an acquisition phase, through the purchasing of properties and conservation easements, LRGV will eventually encompass 132,500 acres. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) purchases all properties for the refuge from willing sellers at fair market value, subject to annual congressional appropriations.
The current 100+ LRGV tracts compliment an existing wildlife corridor, lands managed for the benefit of wildlife by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, private landowners and the Santa Ana and Laguna Atascosa NWRs.
Not only do the Central and Mississippi flyways meet here, but the most southern tip of Texas is also the northernmost range for many bird species. This, combined with the climate (temperate, desert, coastal and sub-tropical), is what makes the Valley an international birding favorite. Nearly 500 species, including neotropical migratory birds, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl, can be found here. The plain chachalaca, green jay, great kiskadee, least grebe, and many other species exclusive to this area establish LRGV as one of the premier birding refuges in the nation.
Zebra longwings, Julias, and Mexican bluewings are but a few of the 300+ butterfly species that make South Texas a must for butterfly enthusiasts. Peak diversity falls between October and December. A single October day has been known to produce a tremendous 65 documented species!
The diversity of habitat in the lower Rio Grande Valley has resulted in a diversity of wildlife. The speckled racer, southern yellow bat, Kemp's ridley turtle, white-tailed deer, and collared peccary are but a few of the species found in the lower four counties of Texas. The endangered ocelot that once roamed eastern, central and southern portions of Texas today exists mainly in the South Texas brush lands. Because 95% of the vegetation in the Valley has been cleared or altered, LRGV is a crucial link in the effort to protect the region’s tremendous biodiversity.
Eleven unique plant and animal communities are found in the four most southern counties of Texas. Once completed, LRGV will be made up of anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 acres of each identified community. Coastal barrier islands, resacas (oxbow lakes), desert-like brushlands, riverside woodlands, and caliche hillsides play host to a variety of plant and animal life. Native brush and trees include mesquite, sabal palm, Texas ebony, prickly pear, and Montezuma bald cypress.
In addition to resident volunteers, the refuge has year-round opportunities for volunteers to work with the refuge staff in a variety of activities. Scheduling is up to the volunteers: once a week, once a month, full days, half days. The Volunteer Coordinator will help you find meaningful projects and work out a schedule that suits both you and the refuge.
Volunteer opportunities exist in the following broad areas:
Construction and Maintenance at LRGV. Opportunities in this field are as wide as the talents a volunteer wishes to offer and can include tractor operation (after certification), mechanical work, carpentry, lock-smithing, landscaping, plumbing and electrical work.
Biology at LRGV. This includes census work (animal and botanical), water quality measurements, data entry and participation in specific studies that may take place from time to time.
Revegetation of LRGV tracts. A large nursery operation is conducted at Santa Ana NWR. This includes all aspects from seed-collecting to planting seedlings on the various tracts of LRGV.
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Recovery Efforts. LRGV is looking for volunteers to assist in the recovery of the most endangered of the sea turtles. Currently, needs include volunteers to conduct beach patrols, do environmental educational presentations at schools and help organize other turtle volunteers.
Carpenters, artists, journalists, educators, birdwatchers, computer whizzes, biologists, gardeners and bilingual speakers are always welcome, along with anyone else who would like to help. For more information, contact the Public Outreach Specialist, at 956-784-7632, or Nancy Brown at Nancy_Brown@fws.gov
Friends of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
The Friends of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit organization established to protect, support and enhance the Santa Ana and LRGV National Wildlife Refuges. Individuals donate countless hours, funds, and materials to undertake vital projects.
The Friends conduct canoe trips on the Rio Grande along Santa Ana and below Falcon Dam. To book a trip, contact the Friends at 956-783-6117 or call the Santa Ana Visitor Center at 956-784-7500. Visit Friends of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge website for a schedule and more information about canoe trips.
Friends of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Rural Route 2, Box 204
Alamo, Texas 78516
Phone: 956-783-6117
Website: http://www.friendsofsantaana.org
Open tracts
A number of LRGV tracts, a combined 40,000+ acres, are open for visitation year round. From sunrise to sunset free of charge, visitors can explore these areas and experience the beauty of South Texas. For more information, maps and directions, please contact LRGV at (956) 784-7500.
There are many wildlife-related activities available at the refuge. At selected tracts, visitors can participate in bird watching, hiking, big game and dove hunts, canoeing, and fishing. Please consult the refuge staff for more details about recreational opportunities.
See Texas Links for more information about natural areas and tourism in Texas.
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http://sturgeon.irm.r2.fws.gov/u2/refuges/texas/lrgv.html - revised December 21, 2001
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