There are several butterfly gardens in the Rio Grande Valley.
The lower Rio Grande Valley is at the southernmost tip of Texas on the Mexican border. It is composed of four counties and the largest city in the region is Brownsville. The area is a prime destination for butterfly viewing. Enthusiasts flock to the area's well-known wildlife refuges and parks that have butterfly gardens open to the public. Does this Spark an idea?
National Butterfly Center
The National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, is major butterfly preserve and research center. The butterfly paradise covers more than 100 acres with plants that attract over 300 species of butterflies and are ideal for caterpillar growth. Nearly 40 percent of butterfly species in the United States can be seen at the center, including all types of swallowtails, whites and yellows, metalmarks and skippers. Many rare species also make their home at the National Butterfly Center. Approximately 150 species are native to the Rio Grande Valley and can only be seen in southern Texas or Mexico. Visitors can sign up for guided walks and workshops throughout the year. The park's visitor pavilion has butterfly exhibits and a gift shop. The National Butterfly Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday except for holidays. As of the fall of 2010, admission for adults was $10 and children $5. Area residents from Texas and Mexico receive discounted admission.
Resaca de la Palma State Park
Resaca de la Palma State Park in Brownsville, Texas, is a part of the World Birding Center network of wildlife preserves and parks in the Rio Grande Valley. It is made up of resacas--abandoned stretches of river bed--and dense vegetation of marshes and woodlands that are natural habitats for caterpillars. The 1,700-acre park has a butterfly garden next to its visitors' center although the insects can be found throughout the grounds. Species commonly seen at the park include Mexican bluewings, queens, sickle-wing skippers and Julian and zebra heliconians. The park offers bike and binocular rentals for visitors. Resaca de la Palma is open year-round daily. As of the fall of 2010, admission for adults was $4 and free for children under 12. Admission is discounted for Texas residents and free for Texas State Parks pass holders.
Frontera Audubon Center
Although it is only 15 acres, the Frontera Audubon Center in Weslaco, Texas, is a popular spot among butterfly enthusiasts. Frontera has several native butterfly gardens and thickets. Rare and interesting species flock to Frontera, including the ruby-spotted swallowtail, the East-Mexican white skipper and the pale-banded crescent. It is also a breeding ground for several bird species. Programming for visitors includes guided walks, workshops, concerts and festivals. The center is open year-round Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12 as of October 2010.
Tags: Grande Valley, Butterfly Center, National Butterfly, National Butterfly Center, open year-round, Resaca Palma