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Fins to Feather

by Scarlet Colley - April - 2003

Wooded lots on South Padre Island are scarce. More and more are giving way to homes and businesses. But there is one area that has been purchased not to build a home or a business on but to keep as a tourist attraction that has put South Padre Island on the list of hundreds of nature tourists. With these lots secured and planted with native habitat, dozens of nature enthusiast’s visit each day and many stay for several days to see what might arrive next for them to see. These are the Valley Land Fund lots on Sheepshead Street.

The Valley Land Fund is an organization of Valley businessmen concerned with the protection of Habitat in the Valley for the diverse Wildlife that we have here. Their direction is one of the future, insuring that our children will inherit an area that will allow them to view the precious nature in the Valley and on the Island before it is lost. A place to share the tranquility and nurturing that nature gives to all who seek it will be there for them. Having some areas set aside that will not be built on but left for wildlife is a high priority of the Valley Land Fund.

The wooded lots on Sheepshead have brought hours of delight to those who have gone there this spring. The colors of red, blue, orange, yellow, and so many other colors and their combinations in the feathers of our feathered friends that stop over there and in the wings of butterflies and dragonflies that feed on the many flowers and ponds has brought folks together to marvel in God’s gift to us, Nature.

It has taken many thousands of dollars to buy this property and then to pay for the planting, fencing and care of it. Signs have to be made and plants have to be watered. The Valley Land Fund has many projects throughout the Valley to fund. They need all the support they can get. The Businesses of South Padre Island, especially the hotels and restaurants have to thank the Valley Land Fund for all the folks it brings in and then they patronize food and lodging. The gift shops too enjoy the benefit of the folks that stop in for a gift to send home from the Island. And many residents enjoy the lots on Sheepshead each day during Spring and Fall migration too.

This is the perfect time to give back to the Valley Land Fund for all they have given us. Their Fund Raiser is going to be Saturday, May 10th, 2003. This Community day is on the International Migratory Birding Day and will be at the Valley Land Fund Lots on Sheepshead. It will start at 10:00am and activities will run until 3:00pm. Ribbon Cutting and Dedication will be at 10:30 to 11:00. All Residents of the Island and the Valley are invited to join in on the fun and are invited to become members of the Valley Land Fund as well. What better way to give to the Valley when it gives so much to us. There will be an incredible performance given by the Raptor show at 11:00 to 12:00. Lunch will be at Louie’s Back Yard from 12:00 to 1:00. All money raised from lunch will go to the Valley Land Fund. Member’s price for lunch is 10.00 per adult, 5.00 per child, non member 15.00 adult and 5.00 for child. You can call the Valley Land Fund at 956-971-8550 for tickets and information on becoming members The evening dinner and auction is by invitation and if there is someone you would like to have invited to the event you can call Merritt Hunke at the Valley Land Fund. Some of the events at the lots during the morning will be tables with a variety of exhibits concerning nature such as marine life, shells and other interesting Island nature.

So remember as you look out your window and enjoy beholding a bird or butterfly what the Valley Land Fund is doing for these wonderful creatures and other wildlife of the Valley and become a member of this important organization that is just for the Valley and the Island. Enjoy viewing their website at Valleylandfund.com If you would like a free tour of the Valley land fund sight give Fins to Feathers a call and we will point out the wonderful birds that visit their during this Spring Migration. Call 956-761-7178 or if you have a cell phone you can call us at 956-739-BIRD.

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