Santa Ana & Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuges

06/02/2026

🌞 Junior Ranger Adventures: Summer Camp 2026!
June 23–26 • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Ages 7–12 • Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Get ready for four days of outdoor fun, exploration, and discovery! Junior Ranger Summer Camp invites kids to dive into nature through hands‑on activities, wildlife encounters, exciting games, and ranger‑led adventures. Each day highlights a different theme—from wetlands and wildlife to birds, migration, and conservation teamwork.
Campers will learn, create, and explore the refuge while becoming future conservation heroes!
Daily Themes:
• June 23 – Wetland Explorers: Kayaking, tram ride, and wetland wildlife fun
• June 24 – Birds & Migration: Birdwatching, migration games, and bird passport making
• June 25 – Wildlife Rangers: Tracking, camouflage, and archery skills
• June 26 – Conservation Heroes: Team challenges and habitat protection activities
📍 Location:
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
3325 Green Jay Rd, Alamo, TX 78516
👨‍👩‍👧 Parent/guardian participation required (at least one adult per child)
🎟️ Register now — spots fill fast!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedkJ2Kbwd25_fyR3qOLUiFyHFBeALyi-EPbcWNAERjsxlr9A/viewform

05/30/2026

Discover the beauty and urgency of the Rio Grande Valley’s thornforest, one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in South Texas. 🌳💚

Join us for a special screening of “Thornforest,” an American Forests documentary produced by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The film highlights the biodiversity of this incredible habitat, the threats it faces from urbanization and climate pressures, and the inspiring community‑driven restoration happening through the Thornforest Conservation Partnership.
Following the screening, enjoy a presentation and discussion on how restoration, partnership, and education strengthen long‑term community resilience and regional connectivity.
Our presenter, Mylen Arias, Senior Manager of Community Resilience at American Forests, leads environmental literacy and thornforest restoration efforts across the RGV. Her work blends biology, research, and community engagement to build awareness and protect this irreplaceable ecosystem.

📅 June 6, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
3325 Green Jay Rd., Alamo, TX
Come be part of the movement to restore and protect the wildlands of South Texas. 🌱✨

05/22/2026

The American Coot and Common Gallinule, two wetland treasures enjoying a peaceful morning at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. 🦆✨
From vibrant colors to unique behaviors, there’s always something amazing to discover out on the water. Come spot your own feathered friends on your next visit! 🌿💧

Photo: E.Reyes

05/20/2026

🌿✨ Discover something wild at the Friends of the Wildlife Corridor Nature Store! Stop by, explore unique nature-inspired gifts. 💚🦋 Friends of the Wildlife Corridor

05/16/2026

🌿 It’s Nesting Season in the Rio Grande Valley! Here’s What To Do If You Find Eggs or Chicks 🌿
Spring and summer are incredibly busy times for wildlife here at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and in the RIo Grande Valley. Many ground‑nesting birds — including species that are extremely well‑camouflaged — are raising their young right now. The photos below are a great example of how difficult nests, eggs, and chicks can be to spot!

If you come across eggs, chicks, or a nest, here’s how you can help protect them:
🐣 If You Find Eggs:
• Do not touch or move them. Even if they seem unattended, the parents are usually nearby.
• Give plenty of space. Back away at least 50 feet.
• Watch your step. Ground nests can be nearly invisible.
🪶 If You Find Fledglings (feathered chicks on the ground):
• Don’t pick them up. Many fledglings leave the nest before they can fly well — this is normal.
• Parents are still caring for them. Adults are usually watching from a distance and will return once people leave.

🚫 If You Find a Chick That Looks “Alone”:
It’s almost never abandoned. Staying still and hidden is how they stay safe. The best thing you can do is leave the area quickly and quietly.
📸 Why This Matters:
Disturbing a nest can cause adults to flee and leave eggs or chicks vulnerable to heat, predators, or starvation — even short disturbances can be harmful.

💚 Thank You for Helping Wildlife!
Your awareness makes a big difference in helping these tiny residents survive their first days of life. Please share to help others learn how to protect nesting birds at Santa Ana NWR!

Photo: T. Flores & B. De La Fuente

05/16/2026

05/15/2026

Grateful for the U.S. Coast Guard crew who rolled up their sleeves at Santa Ana NWR today! You helped restore the bird observation areas our visitors love most. Thank you for giving back to the refuge and the community 🌿🦋

05/14/2026

Trivia Thursday 🐦✨

Think you know your South Texas birds? Here’s today’s challenge!
This sleek, long-tailed bird loves hanging out in brushy areas around the refuge. Can you name this feathered friend? 🤔💭
Drop your guesses below! 👇


Photo: E.Reyes

05/13/2026

Thank you so much for inviting our rangers to Henry Ford Elementary !😃