This cache was created to honor "Take a Walk in the Park"
Day,
celebrated on March 30th 2010. The World Birding Centers are
working together to create thematic programs for this date. We
want
our visitors to get out and go for a hike on one of our many
trails!
This cache is hidden in the south end of our park. Entrance
to
the park is from New Carmen Blvd. (accessed from FM 1732 on
the
northwest side of Brownsville). There is an entry fee of $4.00
for
adults, children 12 and under are free! We also honor Texas
State
Park Pass holders. The clerks at the visitor center will give you
a
map and explain our trail system. Resaca de la Palma State
Park
does not allow vehicles past the visitor center; please park in
the
parking lot and either hike or ride the tram into the park.
One of my favorite trails takes me down to the south end of
the
park, where the trail crosses over the resaca, or oxbow lake.
Here
you can see Green, Ringed, and Belted Kingfishers, American
Coots,
Least Grebes, and Mottled Ducks throughout the year. In summer
look
for neotropic migrants and summer breeders, like Summer
Tanagers
and Groove-billed Anis. Wintertime proves an excellent time
for
wintering waterfowl: check for Gadwall, Northern Shoveler,
Northern
Pintail, and maybe even a Lesser Scaup! As you walk along the
trail, look for little yellow puffball-like flowers growing
about
~8 inches high. This is called Dwarf Screwbean Mesquite. Keep
your
eyes open, and you may even see our resident bobcats crossing
the
road! Enjoy the beauty and wilderness of this habitat, which
has
been preserved for you and your children!
This cache marks the start of our first geocoin, donated to
us
by a visiting geocacher. Thanks to him, and to all geocachers
who
spread the word about our park!