Santa ana national wildlife refuge 3325 green jay rd. Geological survey publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the u. Specs for border wall show it would divide texas wildlife refuge. The wildlife refuge was established for the protection of migratory birds in 1943. The santa ana national wildlife refuge lies on the northern bank of the rio grande in south texas, about seventy miles upriver from the gulf of mexico. Birds in santa ana refuge alamo texas notes and photos to. Morgan uncovers how 2,000 acres of rare subtropical riparian forest came to be preserved in a region otherwise dramatically altered by human habitation. Santa ana national wildlife refuge, a texas national wildlife. How 2,000 acres of rare subtropical riparian forest came to be preserved in a region otherwise dramatically altered by human habitation is. Mexico border north of the rio grande is the santa ana national wildlife refuge, which would be bisected by donald trumps proposed border wall. A selfproclaimed birders paradise, this 2088acre refuge is one of the valleys most beautiful spots.
Santa ana national wildlife refuge has 12 miles of foot trails that offer different exeriences and different views, all of which youll find rewarding. The aim of the refuge is to lace together the tapestry of the rio grande, from falcon dam to the gulf of mexico. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is a 2,088acre 8. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is covered by the las milpas, tx us topo map quadrant. The santa ana national wildlife refuge lies on the northern bank of the rio grande in. Hotels near santa ana national wildlife refuge, texas. The historical cemetery located in santa ana national wildlife. Nov 16, 2009 mcallen edc visits santa ana wildlife refuge and discovers a birding paradise. Feb 09, 2018 the santa ana national wildlife refuge a 2,088acre tangle of trees, animals, birds and butterflies straddling the u. The refuge is noted for its unusual birds, mammals, butterflies, and plants. Refuge staff and volunteers give free tours and talks during the fall and winter months. Santa ana national wildlife refuge turns 75 trump wants to build a wall through it january 22, 2018 trump is attempting to make his misinformed campaign promise of a border wall a reality by getting congress to designate billions of dollars towards its construction.
Santa ana national wildlife refuge the handbook of texas. See more ideas about wildlife, birds and rio grande valley. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book. For a schedule and additional information contact the refuge. How 2,000 acres of rare subtropical riparian forest came to be preserved in a region otherwise dramatically altered by human habitation is the story m. Explore up to 12 miles of trails and enjoy seeing many wildlife species you will not find beyond the most southern tip of texas. Individual refuge results for santa ana national wildlife refuge. Although centered on santa ana, all records valleywide are listed here. History santa ana national wildlife refuge is truly a piece of living history. This abc book brings to life the sights and sounds of the rio grande valley on every page, from the flight of the aplomado falcon to the ride of. Our leaders, sue and john, were knowledgeable as well as patient and.
Aug 07, 2017 but 1,500 miles away in texas, the trump administration is working on another section that could block migrating butterflies and cut across the santa ana national wildlife refuge, one of the most. Beginning the day after thanksgiving through april, a wildlife tram operates seven days a week. Legacy of the santa ana land grant kathie and ed cox jr. The entrance to this wildlife refuge is located on the main road leading to the eastern tip of the island, that is the road which is just a little south of the one leading to the hotels located in the lagunas del este sector which are ocean casa del mar by h10, hotel labranda cayo santa maria and valentin perla blanca. Check in at the visitor center for the latest news on wildlife sightings, exciting programs and guided nature walks. Bird life is abundant on the twothousandacre santa ana national wildlife refuge. Jul 21, 2017 keep the santa ana national wildlife refuge intact. This large stretch of tamaulipan brushland was preserved for its wildlife, including many species found nowhere else in the united states. In 1943, santa ana national wildlife refuge comprising 1,981 acres was established.
It is perched on the northern bank of the rio grande not far from the town of alamo, texas. Keep the santa ana national wildlife refuge intact american. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is a 2,080acre natural preserve on the banks of the rio grande seven miles south of alamo in hidalgo county. Other things to do near santa ana national wildlife refuge after youve been to santa ana national wildlife refuge, prepare for the other terrific attractions available in the wider region. By 1902, both leagues of the santa ana grant were held by peter ebenezer blalock, developer of camp ebenezer later alamo. The hawk tower at santa ana competes with the one at bentsen for the title of best raptor viewpoint in texas. Established for the protection of migratory birds and the wildlife of the rio grande valley. The rio grande river as seen from the santa ana national wildlife refuge. Judge oks borderwall surveying on land adjacent to santa ana. The national wildlife refuge system is one of shining stars of united states conservation history, and the refuges in this system offer some worldclass nature experiences.
Find cheap deals and discount rates among them that best fit your budget. The santa ana national wildlife refuge participates in many national events throughout the year which are fun, educational and help wildlife. Trumps border wall would slice through wildlife refuges and. Dreams and schemes gone awry forged the foundation for the present day refuge. Mar 19, 2017 santa ana national wildlife refuge is a special place. The rarest plants in santa ana include esenbeckia runyonii, which was thought to be extinct in the wild until rediscovered in 1986, and santa ana capparis capparis incana.
He is seen on may 18, 2020, at santa ana national wildlife refuge south of alamo, texas. The designation of lower rio grande wildlife refuge in 1979 set the wheels in motion for connecting the remaining fragments of habitat left along the last 275 miles of the rio grandes journey. Nature tram join us for a lively introduction to santa ana national wildlife refuge and the history of the lower rio grande valley. The comfortable, openair tram traverses the 7mile wildlife drive in an hour and a half. The sierra club and its allies are supporting local residents in their efforts to stop the wall and save the refuge. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is a birding adventure located in or near donna, tx. The santa ana national wildlife refuge, 2000 acres on the northern bank of the rio. Once traded for a fiddle and a new suit of clothing, this former mexican land grant harbors as many. Jan 27, 2018 posters show support for santa ana national wildlife refuge, home to 400plus species of birds and several endangered wildcats, at a rally in mission, texas, in august 2017.
Jan 22, 2018 santa ana national wildlife refuge turns 75 trump wants to build a wall through it january 22, 2018 trump is attempting to make his misinformed campaign promise of a border wall a reality by getting congress to designate billions of dollars towards its construction. The staff maintains the cemetery, as well as brewster cemetery, also located on the refuge. Santa ana national wildlife refuge bird watchers digest. Santa ana national wildlife refuge alamo 2020 all you need to. Santa ana national wildlife refuge usa attractions lonely. Posters show support for santa ana national wildlife refuge, home to 400plus species of birds and several endangered wildcats, at a rally in mission, texas, in.
Along the banks of the lower rio grande is the santa ana national wildlife refuge, a 2,088 acre refuge established in 1943 for the protection of migratory birds. Fish and wildlife service at san bernardino national wildlife refuge in southeast arizona in 1996, it was common to see crossborder traffic. Not enough is yet known about the lepidoptera of santa ana national wildlife refuge to permit the inclusion of seasonal distribution, but in general butterflies tend to be more abundant in the late summer and fall. Santa ana national wildlife refuge alamo, texas landmark. Although both areas have about the same species, you are more likely to find least grebe, ringed and green kingfishers, northern beardlesstyrannulet, and olive sparrow at santa ana. When i first began my career working along the border for the u.
In 1967 the refuge was designated a registered natural landmark because of its exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the united states of america. Mexican border in south texas could become the site of one of the. Save on popular hotels near santa ana national wildlife refuge, texas. To see another view of the rio grande valley, climb up the metal steps to the top of the hawk tower in the santa ana national wildlife refuge. Jennifer howard, director of public relations, 2028887472 washington, d. Santa ana national wildlife refuge the handbook of. Get a glimpse of how the valley must have looked 200 years ago. The santa ana national wildlife refuge lies on the northern bank of the rio grande in south texas.
Browse expedias selection of 107 hotels and places to stay closest to santa ana national wildlife refuge. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is a 2,080acre natural preserve on the banks of the rio grande seven miles south of alamo in hidalgo. Trump administration preparing texas wildlife refuge for. We went on a birding walk at santa ana along with a group of about a dozen visitors. Jul 2, 2017 attractions, birds, and history at santa ana wildlife refuge. The santa ana national wildlife refuge, 2,088 acres along the banks of the lower rio grande, was established in 1943 for the protection of migratory birds. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is a special place. Go west on us 281 from its intersection with fm 88 to the entrance to the santa ana nwr. Green jay calls one of the special birds on this refuge is the green jay. Established in 1943, the santa ana wildlife refuge is one of the top birding destinations in north america. Book now at 26 restaurants near santa ana national wildlife refuge on opentable. Books that tell the truth about the rio grande valley in texas. Summer tram tours are offered on a greatly reduced schedule.
May 18, 2006 santa ana national wildlife refuge is a birding adventure located in or near donna, tx. Fish and wildlife service at san bernardino national wildlife refuge in southeast arizona in 1996, it. The first day we visited the santa ana national wildlife refuge. This site along with bentsenrio grande valley state park contains the greatest number of texas specialities to be found anywhere in the state, and the best birding time here occurs in late winter and early spring. Santa ana national wildlife refuge turns 75 trump wants to. Santa ana nwr december 12, 2017 by jason crotty 3 comments when the news broke about a possible border wall through santa ana national wildlife refuge in texas, i decided to make plans to visit before it got bisected by a concrete barrier. Green jays and santa ana national wildlife refuge birdnote. We saw 63 species of birds and learned a lot about the birds, local wildlife, and also about native vegetation. The santa ana national wildlife refuge lies on the northern bank of the rio. The thorn forest habitat that was typical before the rio grande river was tamed with dams and other structures is host or home to nearly 400 different types of birds, many of which fred and. This chapter also introduces one of the books key themes. Field notes from santa ana a visit to the crown jewel of the national wildlife refuge system, now under threat from trumps wall, reveals a harsh landscape teeming with life.
Santa ana nwr the view from one of the observation points overlooking willow lake, rather more full of water than it usually is. Trump will destroy santa ana nwr, one of the most beautiful. Santa ana national wildlife refuge topo map in hidalgo county. But what makes the refuge so special for birds, wildlife, and tourism could also prove its ruin. Santa ana national wildlife refuge alamo 2020 all you. Lakes, wetlands and subtropical thorny forest combine for a peaceful setting where the only noises come from birds. Morgan traces the hidden history of the santa ana national wildlife refuge. Its unique location is at the meeting of different climates and habitats. Seven great national wildlife refuges everyone should visit. Open daily from 8am to 4pm except on thanksgiving, new years, and christmas. But 1,500 miles away in texas, the trump administration is working on another section that could block migrating butterflies and cut across the santa ana national wildlife refuge, one of.
The santa ana national wildlife refuge a 2,088acre tangle of trees, animals, birds and butterflies straddling the u. Keep the santa ana national wildlife refuge intact. The conservation legacy of the santa ana land grant by m. The refuge is the seasonal home to almost 400 bird species, and hundreds of. Santa ana national wildlife refuge is truly a piece of living history.
If you are interested in plant science or just the charm of nature, jardin botanico del dr. The entrance to this wildlife refuge is located on the main road leading to the eastern tip of the island, that is the road which is just a little south of the one leading to the hotels located in the lagunas del este. Here are ten places for the traveling naturalist to explore this summer. Universitity, college and trade school social directory. Mcallen edc visits santa ana wildlife refuge and discovers a birding paradise. Environmental history, volume 21, issue 3, 1 july 2016, pages 571573. Alfredo barrera botanical gardens is a splendid place to spend. Home to at least 400 bird species and 450 species of plants, it also hosts both the rare. This area is famous for having the second highest bird count of any of the national wildlife refuges in the united states. Images and information on some of the amazing wildlife found on the santa ana national wildlife refuge. Possible border wall plans would be devastating for santa.
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