A 6-acre secret garden in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, dedicated to native plants, wildlife, and environmental education.
“Founding volunteers turned a vacant lot in the middle of Weslaco into what it is today. Without their vision, hard work, and the financial support of many dedicated partners, that lot might well be an apartment complex. Instead it is a green gem educating residents and visitors about the South Texas native landscape and its rich wildlife.”— Valley Nature Center
Founded in 1983, Valley Nature Center is the oldest nature center in the Rio Grande Valley. What began as a volunteer effort to transform a vacant lot has grown into a 6-acre sanctuary of native South Texas habitat.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to environmental education, native plant conservation, and providing a unique wildlife habitat in the heart of Weslaco, Texas.
We offer a wide variety of exceptional educational programs throughout the year. The LRGV is one of the top birding and butterfly destinations in the United States.
Wander our trails and you may encounter Malachite butterflies, Plain Chachalacas, Great Kiskadees, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, Texas Tortoises, Cottontail Rabbits, and many lizard and amphibian species.
