Valley Nature Center, Weslaco

About Valley Nature Center

Valley Nature Center in Weslaco is a six-acre sanctuary of native South Texas habitat where visitors walk trails through natural plant gardens and encounter over 200 bird species and other wildlife. Wandering the grounds, guests may spot Plain Chachalacas, Great Kiskadees, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, Malachite butterflies, Texas Tortoises, Eastern Cottontails, and various lizard and amphibian species found nowhere else in the United States. The center features walking trails, native plant gardens, small ponds, interpretive signage, and a native plant nursery. Educational programs include school field trips, live animal presentations, South Texas Natural History classes, summer nature camps for children, and the Wild Wednesday education program. Founded in 1983 by volunteers who transformed a vacant lot, Valley Nature Center serves as the Rio Grande Valley's oldest nature center and premier environmental education facility.