The
Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas (LRGV) is the very best location in the United
States for a facility of this kind.
Almost
40% of the 700+ butterflies that occur in the United States can be
seen in the three county area of the LRGV.
With
over 300 species, the LRGV has nearly as many butterflies as the states of
New Mexico and Arizona, and more than the entire eastern United States.
Approximately 150 species of North American butterflies can only be seen in
the LRGV, or by traveling to Mexico. By May 2005, 157 species had been seen
at NABA International Butterfly Park, including several rarities
and U.S. records.
Subtropical climate makes butterflying a year-round family activity.
An exciting blend of American and Mexican cultures already draws many
tourists to the Texas/Mexican Border, as well as thousands of Winter Texans
who spend up to 6 months each year in the Valley.
NABA
International Butterfly Park will become an important link in a
Wildlife Corridor scheduled to run from Falcon Dam to Boca Chica
where the Rio Grande empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Many
communities in the LRGV are already developing nature-tourism as
a way to enhance their economies and the environment at the same time.
Festivals
are held across the Valley each year that focus on butterflies,
birds, and nature in general.
Large Orange
Sulphur
by David Hanson
