Visitor tent for the Salineño Wildlife Preserve

Hi, I'm Bob Bowman. My wife, Cate, and I recently accepted an offer from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to host the Salineño Wildlife Preserve for the 2023-24 season. The Salineño Wildlife Preserve is a world famous birding hotspot in the Lower Rio Grande Valley near the southernmost tip of Texas. In its five decade history this tiny, 2.6 acre preserve on the bank of the Rio Grande River, has hosted visitors from all 50 states, all Canadian provinces, and 40 countries. Thousands of avid birders travel each year specifically to this unique site to see birds that are not reliably found anywhere else in the United States. Of more than 300 species of birds that have been recorded at Salineño, rarities such as Brown jays, Red-billed pigeons, Morelet’s seedeaters, Audubon’s orioles, and Rose-throated becards join dozens of other exotic birds found here regularly.

We are excited to be a part of a long tradition of Preserve caretakers: maintaining butterfly gardens, removing of non-native invasive plants, and helping visitors discover the birds close at hand at the very active bird-feeding station, the centerpiece of the Preserve. We will succeed long-time (14 year) hosts and mentors Lois Hughes and Merle Ihne.

There are no permanent buildings at the Preserve. During their years there, Lois and Merle used their camper trailer as both the base of operations and their home. Because our camper is much smaller, and is also our only transportation, we intend to setup a 10x20-foot market tent to serve as a seasonal visitor center/shelter (guest books, field guides, etc.) that will be staffed by us and two co-hosts at the bird viewing area. The tent will be donated to the Preserve for future seasons. Any funds raised beyond the goal will be used for supplies to further the works of the Preserve. Thank you! And come visit!