Vacationing in the Valley

A World-class Destination in your Backyard

We Valley residents have to constantly remind ourselves that the Rio Grande Valley is a choice, world-class, tourist destination. It is a very common experience to cross paths with British, Japanese, English, and other visiting nationals who come to the Valley to enjoy what Valley folks take for granted. Local and foreign traffic is increasing because of publicity and tightening purse strings–have you noticed?

The tour guides and managers of the several Texas State Parks and Wildlife centers located in the five-county Valley area report a very successful spring season. The summer schedule has just been announced. So, just in time for your vacation plans, you might want to include an unforgettable adventure at one of the upcoming events programmed for our local State Parks and World Birding Centers.

Kyle O’Haver, Nature Resource Specialist at the Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, says, “People are finding out about the fantastic wonders right here in our own backyard. They have figured out if people from all over the world value our natural wonders–our fauna, flora, our birding and butterfly sighting opportunities, why shouldn’t we join the crowds.”

Kyle is one of three professional naturalists and tour guides who might lead you and your group on walking and motorized tours of the Estero Llano Grande State Park. O’Haver lives in Mission, Texas, and has been with the Texas Park Service five years.

Jose Uribe is another long-time naturalist and tour guide, who might be your leader around the many of the park’s features. “The Ibis and Kiskadee ponds and the Alligator Lake are among the most popular tours we make,” he said, adding, “Oh, yes; there are alligators, bobcats, snakes, and coyotes on the grounds.. They are reclusive, but you never know.”

Uribe is another park guide with over five-years of tour guide service. He comes from Mexico City via Cuernavaca. As you can imagine, he is fluent in Spanish. This busy naturalist is available for Spanish-preference church, club or family outings–give him a call. “We have overnight family campouts planned at CAMP THICKET this summer, along with alligator walks, and the regular birding and butterfly tours. Call us for the summer schedule,” he said.

The third member of this trio of tour guides is John Yochem. John is originally from Ohio, and has been in the tour guide service for seven years. He joined our conversation after a two-hour walk with students from Santa Maria Elementary School. “We love kids, and love to show them the beauty and variety of nature, so close and so available.”

Rachel Quesada is the Office Manager of the World Birding Center. Her message is that the Texas State Parks and Birding Centers need your help now more than ever. “The record drought and wildfires have created a critical situation for our Texas Parks. We thank every visitor. Almost 50% of our revenue comes directly from visitor fees,” she told us.

For information about Estero Llano Grande or other Texas State Parks and Birding Centers, call (956) 565-3919. You’ll probably talk to Hector Villanueva, Reservations coordinator for the park. Or, visit www.worldbirdingcenter.org.