The Rio Grande Valley has increasingly developed and opened nature and wildlife parks that draw eco-tourists from around the country in their search for native and migrating birds.
Many wildlife enthusiasts recognize the Valley as the top birding spot in the United States. The uniqueness of the region as a premier wildlife area is something many of the region’s parks and community birding centers are working to convey to local youth.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez is joining in those efforts. His office has launched a Junior Explorer Initiative. It’s a program designed to encourage area youth to explore nearby wildlife parks. The county judge reached out to area parks with the goal of having each participant visit 10 nature parks in Hidalgo County. Upon reaching each destination, a participant will receive a sticker to place on a Junior Explorer Passport.
After receiving 10 stickers from the participating parks, a junior explorer will then be eligible to visit the county judge’s office at 100 East Cano. Cortez is promising each participant a surprise to be collected upon their visit to the judge’s Edinburg office.
“Through this program, my goal is to instill a passion for the preservation of our natural environment in the young people of Hidalgo County,” Cortez said. “Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable, it’s also necessary. Being outside helps children feel less stressed.”
Participating Parks
Area youth participating in the program can pick up a program packet at these parks: Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen; Bentsen State Park in Mission; Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge south of Alamo; Estero Llano Grande State Park in Mercedes/Weslaco; McAllen Nature Park; Edinburg Scenic Wetlands; the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse; and the Weslaco Nature Center. Packets available at each park include an Explore Hidalgo County Resource Guide, a junior explorer passport, and fliers for parents and children with program instructions.