[ Previous Article ] - [ Articles ] - [ Next Article ]

Fins to Feather

by Scarlet Colley - December - 2002

The holiday season is here and giving is the spirit of the season. We all take from the Island what it gives to us all year and this is the time of year we can give something in return. There are so many ways to give to nature. Caring is one of the best forms of giving to nature that we can have. If we care then we are sensitive to the needs of the nature around us. Supporting conservation groups is one way to give. Our local Audubon is a great way to get involved in all the conservation issues concerning our area from native habitat to the various aspects of nature.

There are two organizations for the area. The Arroyo Colorado Audubon is based in Harlingen and their website is www.kisskadee.org . Their website is very informative on many issues concerning the area. To become a member or give a donation, go to their website and be sure to browse the projects and other great info on the site. The other is the newly formed Rio Grande Delta Audubon centered in Brownsville. To become a member or give a donation call 956-504-5657 and ask for Sally. A membership for an individual is 25.00 and for a family is 35.00 which includes free admittance to Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary which is one of our favorite placed to visit. We even have three native Sabal Palms growing in our yard here on the Island.

Another great group is the Valley Land fund. By becoming a member you will help to support the acquisition of important nature areas. They have a great newsletter and of course are the founders of the great Wildlife Photo Contest. Their phone number is 956-971-8550 or go to ValleyLandfund.com and become a member of this incredible organization dedicated to the Valley wildlife. The Nature Conservancy is another important organization that is dedicated to preserving habitat in this area and their goal is to protect the earth for all generations for we are the stewards of this great planet. Their website is www.tnc.org/texas or their mailing address is PO Box 1440, San Antonio, TX 78295-1440. They also have many educational programs and tours that are offered to members.

Another organization with Coastal concerns is the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory that is dedicated to protect migrating, wintering and breeding birds along the coast. Their website is www.gcbo.org or phone 979-480-0999. We are part of the important coast line for these birds here on South Padre Island and the Island is slowly becoming aware of its importance to these birds. Capt. George and I are getting more and more calls from concerned citizens on many issues. It is good to know that we all have a voice in the future of the Island and the Valley and that each voice counts when it come to taking care of this incredibly beautiful place. What better time than with the spirit of giving in our hearts but to open a small gift that as each of us gives adds up to be a tremendous help to the nature of this favorite place of many.

Fins to Feathers wishes all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and don’t forget the Horses up at the Riding Stables would love a gift too of Apples and Carrots on their Christmas day. Our dolphins seem to sense the Holiday Spirit too and are always coming up with a new Christmas present for us each year. It is amazing that they sense it is a very special time of year for us as Humans. But they do understand giving. That I am sure of.

[ Top ]