Nature Stories from the RGV

VNC Nature Blog

Birding, butterflies, native plants, and conservation stories from Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, Texas.

All 🐦 Birding 🦋 Butterflies 🌿 Native Plants 📚 Programs & Events 🌱 Conservation 📖 Visitor Stories

🌿 Native Plants

Anacua Tree: The Sandpaper Tree of South Texas

The Anacua is one of South Texas's most beloved native trees — a resilient evergreen with a fascinating history writte...

Valley Nature Center Apr 12, 2026 →

🌿 Native Plants

Huisache: South Texas's Most Fragrant Native Tree

Every February the Rio Grande Valley turns golden as huisache trees burst into bloom. This Nahuatl-named tree has been c...

Valley Nature Center Apr 10, 2026 →