6 acres of native habitat in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley
Founded in 1983, Valley Nature Center is a 6-acre sanctuary of native South Texas habitat tucked into the heart of Weslaco. What began as a volunteer effort to reclaim a vacant lot has grown into the region’s premier environmental education center.
We protect native plants, provide habitat for over 200 bird species, and connect generations of Rio Grande Valley residents with the extraordinary natural world right outside their door.
Wander our trails and you may encounter an extraordinary cast of wildlife — many found nowhere else in the United States.
Valley Nature Center uses modern tools to make membership, camp registration, and our nature store simple and accessible from any device.
“I couldn’t believe the wonderful sights and sounds I found at the Valley Nature Center. It was like stepping into nature in the middle of the city, so convenient to get to… I will be back a lot more.”
— N. Wright, Visitor
Valley Nature Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3). We rely on memberships, donations, programs, and grants to protect the LRGV’s native plants and wildlife for future generations.