This site is open for day use only.

An entrance fee or donation may be required.

Continue south on FM 511. Cross TX 4 and continue to the merger of FM 511 and FM 3068 (FM 511 will veer to the right), continue south on FM 3068 to FM 1419. Turn west (right) on FM 1419 and go 0.6 mile to the entrance to the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, turn left, and proceed a quarter of a mile to the entrance which is marked by an opening in the Border Wall. Continue to the parking area and headquarters, just past the Rabb Plantation House. The lower extent of the Rio Grande was once bordered by 40,000 acres of Texas Sabal Palm forest. Now reduced to less than 100 acres, this sanctuary represents the largest remaining Texas Sabal Palm fragment in Texas. In addition to its magnificent palms, many species of plants found only rarely in the Valley thrive in this small preserve. Most of the Valley's avian specialties are present, including "Brownsville" Common Yellowthroat and "Lomita" Carolina Wren, two localized subspecies. Sabal Palm is traditionally the valley stronghold for nesting Yellow-green Vireo May to July. Additionally, a number of vagrants including Masked Duck, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Gray-crowned Yellowthroat and Golden-crowned Warbler have been found within the property. Neotropical migrants that normally winter in Mexico may remain in the sanctuary throughout the winter months. Buff-bellied Hummingbird is almost assured to be seen at the feeders near the sanctuary headquarters.

A butterfly garden has been developed behind the Visitors Center, and many Valley butterfly rarities have been seen here. Zebras are commonly seen within the sanctuary; Boisduval's Yellow, Blue Metalmark, Tulcis Crescent, and Guava Skipper are among the rare butterflies that have occurred here. The sanctuary has a series of walking trails, including one that borders a resaca with observation blinds. When favorable water levels and bird movements coincide, Least Grebes as well as many species of ducks and shorebirds may be viewed at close range. Simply put, no trip to the Valley should exclude a visit to this remarkable sanctuary.

(956) 541-8034http://sabalpalmsanctuary.org

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Boca Chica Loop Texas Parks & Wildlife Department