Estero Llano Grande

Estero Llano Grande SP https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/estero-llano-grande At Estero Llano Grande State Park the orchestra is always in full swing. You’ll hear birds singing, insects buzzing, frogs peeping, water trickling, leaves rustling, and more. Performances held daily here in the Rio Grande Valley, about an hour northwest of Brownsville. Explore trails, add birds to your life list, attend a program, geocache or commune with nature. To protect the natural experience, cars are not allowed in the park. Plenty of parking is available at headquarters. Bring a bike if you want to explore on wheels!

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Estero Llano Grande State Park – World Birding Center TexasStateParks.org/App TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia T-shirts, caps and one-of-a-kind gift items are available at the WBC Visitor’s Center building. N ry ad ou kB e c an Ro Ex pr es M Avocet Pond Tropical Area Lakeview Drive North Complex Ibis Pond South Complex ar nd ou B Le ve e ALLIGATOR ETIQUETTE undary o an Ll Levee Park e nd ra G Hiking/Biking Trails ABSOLUTELY DO NOT feed or annoy the alligators. • Keep pets on a leash at all times. • Do not throw objects in water for your dog to retrieve. Pavilion • Keep at least 30 feet from an alligator – they’ don’t move slow. Butterfly Garden • Do not swim in or wade into any water in Estero Llano Grande State Park. Observation Deck • Avoid any alligator sunning itself in the trail or lake bank. • Stay clear of grasses, twigs and/or soil near the side of a trail; it may be a nest and the mother alligator is probably close by guarding it. • If an alligator opens its mouth and hisses, you have come too close. Retreat slowly; make no quick moves. Keep your eyes on the alligator. Bou This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/ Levee Access Point (non-ADA) • ry nda TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © 2023 TPWD PWD MP P4502-179B (2/23) Parking Wheelchair Accessible Trails o Park B Camp Thicket Group Area Camp Thicket Group Area North and South Complexes Bunks Full Kitchen Meeting Rooms Restrooms and Showers Warbler Hall Meeting Hall, Restrooms Restrooms il Pauraque Event Center Alligator Lake Dowitcher Pond Curlew Pond a Tr ill nb i.) o m o Sp (.5 Indigo Blind k nde Gra 2 mi.) . no Lla Trail ( ing Hik Green Jay Nature Trail (.2 mi.) y Grebe Marsh 5 01 ee Lev BRIDGE Maintenance Road W ad e (.8 r’s m Tra i.) il WBC Vistor’s Center Warbler Hall Camino de Aves (.9 mi.) Drainage Ditches WBC Visitor’s Center Texas State Parks Store Viewing Deck Classroom Restrooms Pauraque Event Center Full Kitchen Event Room Restrooms Butterfly Garden n te ain Kiskadee Pond BRIDGE Pa r sw ay 8 3 r Pa a nd to Camp Thicket Reservations: (956) 565-3919 M F. #BetterOutside LEGEND Texas State Parks Store .1 #TexasStateParks PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900 Bicycles Prohibited in Area Maintenance Area 3301 S. International Blvd. (F.M. 1015) Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 565-3919 Proud Sponsor of Texas State Parks 

For assistance using this map, contact the park. For a web version of the map text, visit our Trails Information page. For information on #TexasStateParks, visit texasstateparks.org Sign up today for free email updates: texasstateparks.org/email /TexasStateParks @TPWDparks @TexasStateParks Sponsor: Whole Earth Provision Co. 

INTERPRETIVE GUIDE JOIN US AS WE FIND MORE BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES IN THE PARK! ENJOY VIEWING THEM, Since 2006, the park has recorded more than 340 species of birds and over 180 species of butterflies in the park. Many of these species were first seen during the park’s weekly nature tour programs. Visit the park’s website for the latest tour schedule or follow the park’s social media for more photos and tour information. ESTERO LLANO GRANDE STATE ESTERO’S SPECIALTY SPECIES PARK’S VARIED HABITATS Common Pauraques (above) are very likely heard at night, or in known roosting areas during the day. Mexican Bluewing butterflies flutter through the Green Jay Trail much of the year. Mesquite lizards are tough to see, but the park has many of these secretive lizards. Altamira Orioles nest in the park – look for their long pendulous nests. WELCOME – BIENVENIDOS! A SANCTUARY FOR BIRDS AND THE PEOPLE WHO WELCOME ALL WHO VISIT. GREEN JAYS AND PLAIN CHACHALACAS SING FROM ABOVE, LEAST GREBES AND SORA QUIETLY FEED IN THE PARK’S WETLANDS, WHILE COMMON PAURAQUES QUIETLY SLEEP ON THE Estero Llano Grande State Park 3301 S. International Blvd. (FM 1015) Weslaco, TX 78596 • (956) 565-3919 www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/estero-llano-grande GROUND – TO THE DELIGHT OF MANY PARK VISITORS. © 2022 TPWD. PWD BR P4502-0179M (7/22) TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/park-pubs ESTERO LLANO GRANDE STATE PARK E S T E R O L L A N O G R A N D E S T A T E P A R K FROM FARMLAND TO WETLAND WHAT’S IN A NAME? Estero Llano Grande translates from Spanish as “estuary by a large grassland.” Grasslands historically covered parts of the Rio Grande Valley, especially around the area’s sparse natural lakes. Although nearby Llano Grande Lake is now bordered by the Rio Grande River Floodway system, the park’s wetlands are still surrounded by grassy areas as they used to be in generations past. VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE Different habitats combine to make up the perfect formula for attracting a wide variety of animals to the park. Dry mesquite/ prickly pear scrublands, wetlands and ponds, grasslands, and a mixed native/non-native tropical forest provide food and shelter for many animals and attracts occasional bird and butterfly species that are out of their normal range. NOT JUST FOR THE BIRDS Least Grebes Mexican Bluewing Ecotourists aren’t just looking for birds when they come to the park. Estero Llano Grande provides safety and food for a variety of insects and reptiles found nowhere else in the United States. Mexican Bluewing butterflies, Saucy Beauty moths, mesquite lizards, and black-striped snakes excite tourists and local residents alike. M Sora ost of Estero Llano Grande’s wetlands did not exist before 2004. A collaborative effort with Ducks Unlimited created 14 acres of wetland habitat providing thousands of migratory birds a rest stop during their annual migrations. Staff carefully manage water depths throughout the year to mimic local resaca lake levels for the benefit of these birds. Black-necked Stilt 

texas parks and wildlife © ROBERT W. PARVIN PHOTO © MARK B. BARTOSIK Interpretive Guide to: STATE PARKS OF THE VISIT ALL NINE SITES The World Birding Center (WBC) is a partnership between local municipalities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Three of the WBC sites—Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande and Resaca de la Palma state parks—are managed by TPWD. The six other WBC sites are operated by local communities in Edinburg, Harlingen, Hidalgo, McAllen, Roma, and South Padre Island. For an unforgettable nature adventure, visit all nine sites. • South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, South Padre Island • Resaca de la Palma State Park, Brownsville WORLD BIRDING CENTER Green Kingfisher THE RHYTHMS, SOUNDS AND SONGS OF NATURE ONCE AGAIN FILL PARTS OF THE LOWER RIO • Harlingen Arroyo Colorado, Harlingen • Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco GRANDE VALLEY LANDSCAPE. IN • Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, Hidalgo • Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, Edinburg CENTER HABITATS, THE NATURAL THE RESTORED WORLD BIRDING • Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission ORCHESTRA IS IN FULL CHORUS. • Roma Bluffs, Roma AND CALLS, AND THE DEEP BASS THE BUZZ OF INSECTS, BIRD SONGS OF FROGS AT DUSK EVOKE THE www.worldbirdingcenter.org IMAGE OF A FULL S Y M P H O N Y . THESE SOUNDS REASSURE US THAT RESTORING HABITATS Proud Sponsor of Texas Parks and Wildlife Programs TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TDD) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © MARK B. BARTOSIK © 2016 TPWD. PWD BR P4502-058Q (7/16) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. RENEWS LIFE. OO OO O A VANISHING HABITAT Year-round, over 300 different species of birds travel through or make their homes in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It is alarming that less than 5 percent of the natural habitat, which offers shelter, food, water and open spaces for birds and other wildlife, remains. Imagine having a house but only being able to use small parts of each room, and with each passing day having less to eat and drink, no way to replenish supplies, and fewer places to roam freely. Ranching, agriculture and urban growth, coupled with natural causes such as drought, have fragmented the landscape and chipped away at the framework of the natural “house” and the “neighborhood” surrounding it. D E L A P A L M A , E S T E R O L L A N O PARTNERSHIPS FOR RESTORATION R egional partners including three state parks are collaborating to remedy the deterioration of habitats and to restore the health of the land in the Common Buckeye Lower Rio Grande Valley. Revegetation using native plants and careful water management has revitalized hundreds of acres. And park staff have developed irrigation systems and innovative water collection methods that mimic natural flooding patterns. The partners of the World Birding Center are working together to restore this landscape that was cut apart and to make it whole again. RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK G R A N D E A N D B E N T S E N - R I O G R A N D E V A L L E Y P A R K S Texas ebony and anacua trees, considered one of the most threatened plant communities in the United States, border the resaca. Humans can easily become disoriented in the dense vegetation, but it is a haven for wildlife including the ocelot and jaguarundi, both found only in extreme southern Texas within the United States. Efforts to sustain this biologically significant site centered on the restoration of the resaca, the lifesource for much of the habitat. Work crews cleared the brush that choked the waterway. They channeled water to it and park staff now manage water levels to mimic natural flooding. Since restoring the resaca to a wetland, the raucous croak of the black-crowned night heron, the laugh-like chatting of blue-winged teals and the chirping of Rio Grande chirping frogs emanate again from the rich habitat. This same habitat supports two rare amphibians, the blackspotted newt and Rio Grande lesser siren. Purple Gallinule The construction of ponds to provide habitat to a variety of birds and other wildlife became the focus of restoration efforts. Recent re-introduction of native plant species will revitalize the remnants of historic natural habitat. Today, the 200-acre park, with its shallow and deep wetlands, savannahs and woodlands, pr

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE BIRDS OF ESTERO LLANO GRANDE S T A T E P A R K WORLD BIRDING CENTER A FIELD CHECKLIST 2018 INTRODUCTION E stero Llano Grande State Park, the Weslaco wing of the World Birding Center, encompasses approximately 250 acres of restored wetlands and subtropical thorn-scrub forest. The park is located in the heart of the subtropical Lower Rio Grande Valley, a four-county area that has unmatched biotic diversity, documenting over 500 species of birds, over 300 species of butterflies and over a thousand species of plants. Estero Llano Grande State Park is seated at the geographic center of the World Birding Center network and is the site with the largest wetlands environment. A former agricultural field has been restored to thriving wetlands and flourishing woodlands through cooperative efforts from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the World Birding Center, the City of Weslaco and Ducks Unlimited. Since its opening in June 2006, Estero Llano Grande State Park has documented 346 species of birds. Many of these birds are subtropical species typical of eastern Mexico and are not found north of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Some of these “Specialty Birds” of the park include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Red-crowned Parrot, Groove-billed Ani, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay and Altamira Oriole. This checklist, compiled by John Arvin and updated by park staff, is based on observations by numerous individuals and includes species which have been observed within or passing over the park. Nomenclature and organization for this checklist follow the American Ornithological Society Society Checklist of North American Birds as currently supplemented. For information on how to contribute your sightings to a worldwide bird database, visit eBird online at www.ebird.org. We would greatly appreciate reports with details or photos of any bird designated as rare, accidental (x), or not on this list. Estero Llano Grande State Park 154-A Lakeview Dr (mailing address) 3301 International Blvd (physical address) Weslaco TX 78596 (956) 565-3919, fax (956) 565-2864 Or find us on Facebook Please help us protect the natural avian communities in our parks by refraining from using playback tapes of bird songs. Frequent use of these tapes disrupts normal avian activity patterns and essential territorial behavior, and may lead to nest failure. Thank you for your cooperation. 1 LEGEND c f u r x – – – – – Common (Present, easy to find) Fairly common (Present, should see or hear) Uncommon (Present, harder to find) Rare (Present, hard to find, or may not occur every year) Accidental (not usually present, lost, result of an event) Sp S F W – – – – Spring (March, April, May) Summer (June, July, August) Fall (September, October, November) Winter (December, January, February) Underlined birds indicate park specialties. Cover: Illustration of Belted, Green and Ringed Kingfishers by Clemente Guzman. 2 CHECKLIST Sp S F W Geese and Ducks ____ Black-bellied Whistling-Duck...........................c c c c ____ Fulvous Whistling-Duck....................................f f r r ____ Snow Goose...................................................... f f ____ Ross’s Goose.................................................... u u ____ Greater White-fronted Goose............................ f f ____ Canada Goose................................................... x ____ Blue-winged Teal..............................................c u c c ____ Cinnamon Teal.................................................c c c ____ Northern Shoveler............................................c u c c ____ Wood Duck...................................................... r r ____ Gadwall............................................................c c c ____ American Wigeon.............................................f f f ____ Mallard............................................................x x x x ____ Mexican Duck (Mallard ssp.) ..........................u u u u ____ Mottled Duck...................................................c c c c ____ Northern Pintail................................................c c c ____ Green-winged Teal............................................c c c ____ Canvasback......................................................r r r ____ Redhead...........................................................u u u ____ Ring-necked Duck............................................c c c ____ Greater Scaup...................................................r r r ____ Lesser Scaup....................................................u u u ____ Bufflehead........................................................r r r ____ Hooded Merganser...........................................r r r ____ Red-breasted Merganser.................................. r ____ Masked Duck................................

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE Recipes for the Birds � ESTERO LLANO GRANDE STATE PARK • WESL ACO, TEXAS Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds The following recipes have something special for all the guests who will visit your feeders. Your visitors will be delighted with their favorite menus, no matter the season. Ingredients Information Seeds & Grains The following can be bought at your local feed stores: mixed wild bird seed, millet, cracked corn, peanut hearts, thistle and sunflower seeds. Grit Grit is necessary to grind and digest the coarse foods that birds eat. You can purchase commercial bird gravel, or if available, coarse beach sand will serve the purpose. Raw Beef Suet Suet provides energy and warmth during the cold months. When prepar­ ing suet, to make a smoother liquid, put it through a meat grinder before melting. To make a solid suet cake, reheat. For those concerned about spoilage of beef suet in our summer heat, a reasonable alternative is a mixture of equal portions of shortening and peanut butter. Kitchen Scraps Keep cake, doughnuts, pie crust or anything with sugar in a covered con­ tainer. Use a separate container for crusts and stale breads. Granola Treat One cup of each of the following: wheat germ, peanut hearts, white millet, raisins, crushed dog bones and sunflower seeds. Heat 1/2 cup honey separately. Add to dry mixture. Mix well, bake at 375° for ten minutes. Refrigerate. Mixture can be fed as granola treat or mixed with suet. 1 Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds 2 Nesting Season While nesting, birds will not need to depend on humans for food. Providing them with nesting materials and housing will entice visitors. Houses should be made out of natural materials, well ventilated and hung on the shady sides of trees. Cut nesting materials such as wool, twine and string into 3-inch lengths and put into your suet containers. String Foods se ee h c rn co p po ins s i ra s be u c pe an ut si n sh ell do ug hn ut s dr ied fru it Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds 3 Feeding Station A feeding station is any area that has a bird feeder set up. These may consist of a platform mounted on a pole, commercial plastic feeders or something as simple as feed scattered on the ground. Feeding stations can be designed to attract certain types of birds or a wide variety of feathered friends. Seed Dispensers Use at least two seed dispensers, one for wild bird seed mix and one for sunflower seed. If House Sparrows are a problem, mixes that contain millet should be avoided. If possible, locate these near brush or trees to provide a place to perch and preen. Once you begin feeding, it is impor­ tant that you continue through the winter. Check your feeders early in the mornings and again before dusk. Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds 4 Ground Feeders To complete your feeding station, be sure that you provide at least two ground feeders. These can be wooden or plastic, approximately 3 inches deep with drain holes in the bottom. Add parakeet gravel or clean sand as needed to provide grit. Do this espe­ cially after a rain. Suet Containers All your feathered guests will eat suet during the cold weather to provide energy and warmth. You should pro­ vide several types of containers. Small clinging birds use netted bags and wire baskets. Woodpeckers prefer logs with holes at various points, and coconut shells are used by all. Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds 5 Winter Warmth Your guests are creatures of habit. Once you begin feeding, it is important to continue through the winter. Check your feeders at least twice a day. Ideal times are very early morn­ ing and again before dusk. Birds will take shelter for the night and do not feed again until dawn. Return of Spring By mid-March there will probably be fewer birds at your feeders. Sprouts, insects and worms are pushing through the warm moist ground. It is now time to stop suet feeding and continue seed feeding until the end of April. Summertime Summer season provides all the natural food that your yard guests need. They thrive on insects, weed seeds and grains. However, water is essential. A birdbath can be a wonderful addition to your yard. For an added treat quarter fresh fruit (leave the skin on) and either hang from branches or put on feeding trays. Soon the migration will begin and the resident guests will return to your feeders. Rec i pes fo r t he B i rds 6 Hummingbird Punch � 1 cup sugar 4 cups water Boil four cups water and remove from heat. Add sugar and stir until disolved. Let cool and feed. Store remaining syrup in covered container in refrigerator for up to two weeks. Boiling water is not necessary but may extend the shelf life of the syrup. TIPS: • Red food coloring should not be used. Feeders have enough color on them to attract the birds. • Make sure your feeders are clean. • Hang feeders in a shady area near windows or around patio. Your guests will provide many happy memories. • Keep feeders active year-round. Waxwing Wedge Raw beef suet 1 larg

Don’t forget the gift shop! Easy 3-step process to booking YOUR program at Estero Llano Grande State Park: 1 2 Pick a topic. Choose from eight exciting programs or have us design one to fit your needs (please allow at least two weeks’ notice for special request programs). Pick a date. Choose the day and time you would like to visit. Have a few back-up dates as well. 3 A trip to the park’s gift shop can be added to any field trip FREE of charge. Call us at (956) 565-3919. Dates fill up quickly, so call early to book your program. Once you have successfully booked your program you will receive confirmation. FIELD TRIP Books, games, binoculars, T-shirts, hats, stuffed animals, snacks and souvenirs of all kinds can be found in our gift shop. Don’t forget to have your students bring their spending money! All purchases in the gift shop support Texas state parks. OPPORTUNITIES STARR ted Correla Can’t leave the classroom? Let us come to you! We also offer OUTREACH programs that will come to you. Let one of our knowledgeable staff bring the wonderful world of wildlife to your classroom. Call for program options and prices: (956) 565-3919 What about lunch? School groups are welcome to bring their own lunches and enjoy them on our beautiful deck overlooking the wetlands! Pricing Prices per child for the program vary with length and supplies needed. An additional $2 will be charged per student for restocking of some program supplies. Call for a quote. ESTERO LLANO GRANDE STATE PARK, WORLD BIRDING CENTER 3301 S. International Blvd. (F.M. 1015) Weslaco, Texas 78596 (956) 565-3919 Fax: (956) 565-2864 www.tpwd.texas.gov E S T E R O L L A N O G R A N D E S TAT E PA R K Because we recognize the support provided by teachers a  nd chaperones, all adults assisting with a school group will NOT be charged an additional entry fee (fees for snacks and materials will be the responsibility of the individual adult or the school). www.tpwd.texas.gov ©www.glennbartley.com CAMP THICKET GUIDED HANDS-ON TOURS AND TPWD receives federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies. TPWD is therefore subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, in addition to state anti-discrimination laws. TPWD will comply with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any TPWD program, activity or event, you may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. © 2014 TPWD PWD BR P4502-179H (7/14) ACTIVITIES ! IN AN OUTDOOR & FUN EDUCATION CLASSROOM Birding 101 Wetland Wildlife The amazing diversity of birds in the Rio Grande Valley attracts visitors from all over the world. Let us teach your students why South Texas is special as we introduce them to the world of birding. Students will be guided in activities such as learning to use binoculars, scopes and field guides, playing bird games, learning bird calls and collecting bird data. Your students could even have a chance to dissect a real owl pellet. Your young adventurers will use the skills and knowledge they gain on guided bird walks, birding competitions or bird surveys during the trip. The time they spend is sure to be a “hoot.” Our wetlands are home to some of the most amazing creatures found in the Rio Grande Valley. The Wetland Wildlife program will introduce your students to the diversity of abundant life found in our park’s wetland environment. With so many birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects living in the park, your students will be able to watch and learn how wildlife coexists in nature. They will be guided through activities on life cycles, food chains and animal identification. Their knowledge will be reinforced on a guided hike through wetlands in search of the incredible creatures that call our park home. Birding with Fledglings Wetland Investigations Birds are amazing to people of all ages. Living in the Rio Grande Valley, it is only natural for your students’ attention to turn to our amazing feathered friends. Let us teach them birding basics with activities that allow students to use their senses when exploring the world of birds. Feeling feathers, observing astounding colors, and listening to the wondrous sounds are a few of the memorable first-time experiences that can connect children to nature. Students will learn the importance of clean, healthy water as they investigate the physic

T E X A S S T A T E P A R K S Estero Llano Grande S TAT E PA R K SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS Estero Llano Grande ST A T E PA RK Estero Llano Grande State Park attracts a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife with its varied landscape of shallow lakes and woodlands. In late summer, hundreds of wading and shorebirds flock here, including wood stork and roseate spoonbill. Migrating waterfowl also make a beeline for the park’s narrow, shallow lakes. The woodland and thorn scrub harbors rarities such as the grove-billed ani and Altamira oriole. Birders and nature lovers of all experience levels will enjoy exploring this almost 200-acre refuge. Birdwatching: Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Butterfly Watching: The park’s beautiful native butterfly gardens and nearby woodlands attract a wide array of species. Trails: Two boardwalks and five miles of nature trails wind through the park. Most trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Group Facilities: Indoor and outdoor group meeting spaces offered. Bicycling: Most of the park’s trails are open to bicycling. Interpretive Programs: The park offers regular guided nature walks, programs for school groups, and custom programs by request. Texas State Parks Store: Unique gifts, shirts, books, etc. Bridge Ave. Texas Blvd. Border Ave. ay 83 Hig hw Busine Weslaco ss ay 83 FM 1015 Highw 18th St. Mile 6 North Estero Llano Grande State Park Mile 5 North Located in Hildago County, southwest of Weslaco, off F.M. 1015 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/parks Rates and reservations, call (512) 389-8900. For information only, call (800) 792-1112. Estero Llano Grande State Park 154 A Lakeview Drive, Weslaco, Texas 78596 (956) 565-3919 In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State � Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. � © 2008 TPWD PWD CD P4502-0179J (8/08) Printed on recycled paper. � 

-Official- FACILITIES Get the Mobile App: MAPS ACTIVITIES TexasStateParks.org/app T O Y O T A T U N D R A The Toyota Tundra is built to explore the great outdoors. No matter what the weekend throws at you, your Tundra takes it on with ease. | toyota.com/tundra Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation CONTENTS 4 100 Years of Texas Parks 6 Parks Near You 8 90 Checklist DIRECTORY TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 52 68 20 38 60 30 84 68 David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Mischelle Diaz Communications Director TPW COMMISSION Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, Chairman Lake Jackson Dick Scott, Vice-Chairman Wimberley James E. Abell Kilgore Oliver J. Bell Cleveland Paul L. Foster El Paso Anna B. Galo Laredo Jeffery D. Hildebrand Houston Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth 52 Panhandle Plains 48 State Parks Map Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Cover illustration: Brad Woodard, bravethewoods.com Texas State Parks Official Guide, Nineteenth Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (3/23) TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas. gov/nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than English and need assistance, email lep@tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. WELCOME from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director This year is very special for Texas State Parks: We are celebrating our 100-year anniversary in 2023. More and more Texans are discovering the beauty of State Parks and exploring the outdoors in new and adventurous ways. Our teams across the state are incredibly excited to welcome outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who have yet to discover what our parks have to offer. The variety of Texas’ lands is unmatched; from the mountains of west Texas to the Gulf shores, the Texas State Park system celebrates and preserves the natural and cultural treasures that make Texas such a special place. The 640,000-plus acres that make up the state park system are nearly as diverse as the people of Texas. Since 1923, our mission has been to help connect our visitors with the outdoors. As we honor those who have come before us, I invite a new generation to be a part of the story of the lands that connect us all. There is more to enjoy in our parks than you know, so please join us in our celebrations and activities. Every day we look for new and better ways to ensure your state parks are welcoming to every Texan, regardless of their background or experience being outside. I hope you’ll visit soon and often, while bringing your friends and family along. YOU are a natural and we’re looking forward to celebrating the 100-year anniversary of state parks with you! WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS Galveston Island State Park reopened the beachside of the park with a new headquarters, campsites, restrooms, and more. Bastrop State Park unveiled an extensive new group of trails, the “Tree Army Trails,” many of which are ADA-accessible. Improvements and major repairs are planned for Indian Lodge, Tyler, Inks Lake, Cedar Hill, South Llano River, Eisenhower and several other state parks All-terrain “GRIT” wheelchairs are now available at 10 parks with more adaptive equipment on the way to help people of all abilities experience Texas State Parks. Learn more about our accessibility efforts, page 14. More information: TexasStateParks.org/whatsnew 100 Years of Texas Parks The crown jewels of Texas road trips started as an unfunded wish list before the Depression. Back in 1923, Governor Pat Neff realized rising numbers of new car travelers needed places to camp overnight on multi-day trips. Neff convinced the state legislature to create a six-member State Parks Board, half men, half women. Isabella, the Governor’s mother, and her family donated acreage on the Leon

Guía de Parques INSTALACIONES Descarga la Aplicacíon Móvil MAPAS ACTIVIDADES texasstateparks.org/app ¡Los niños entran gratis! La entrada es gratis para los niños de 12 años y menores. Encuentra un parque: parquesdetexas.org Contenido Estero Llano Grande SP 2 Actividades y Programas 4 Parques Cercanos 6 Lugares para Quedarse 8 Tarifas y Pases 9 Directorio 10 Mapa de Parques 18 Instalaciones y Actividades BIENVENIDO Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes, los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias! Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a nuestra manera. Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales, explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos. ¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre! Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain © 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21) TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas. ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS ¿Qué puedo hacer en los parques estatales? ¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico o elige entre muchas otras opciones! Bicicletas Pedalea a lo largo de los parques a cualquier velocidad, en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona de confort. Caminatas Empieza con un circuito más corto, avanza a terrenos más difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada. Pescar Puedes pescar sin licencia en tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen equipo para pescar a manera de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar. Barcos Renta canoas y kayacs y explora uno de los senderos acuáticos en Texas. Nadar Animales Silvestres Acampar Descubre aves, mamíferos y plantas que tienen su hogar en Texas. Muchos parques tienen señalamientos y listados que te ayudan a aprender más. Encuentra un lugar que cumpla con lo que quieres. Prueba nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de las estrellas. 2 Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org Escape del calor en arroyos, ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas y playas del mar. Tu seguridad en el agua es muy importante. Lleva el chaleco salvavidas. Aprende a nadar. Guarda a los niños. (512) 389-8900 ¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles están disponibles! Los niños de 12 años y menores entran GRATIS Cielos Estrellados Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada. Familias en la Naturaleza Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario tener experiencia. participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque. Mochilas para Exploradores Soldados Búfalo de Texas Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más. Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas. ! Seguridad en el Parque Ten cuidado con el agua Pre