Kayaking at the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge

Alamo’s prime ecotourism hotspot, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, is having FREE kayaking on Sunday, January 15th from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Pay the admission fee ($4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and $2 for children) and then hop on a kayak!
Is your business invested in a greener tomorrow? Join the City of Alamo in leading the way in ecotourism. Find the best incentive package that fits your business’s needs by giving us a call at 956.787.6622.

About the Refuge

The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge has been attracting residents and visitors to Alamo since 1943. Encompassing over 400 bird species, 14 miles of trails and 2,088 acres, the Refuge captivates over 165,000 nature tourists a year, with 99,000 attending specifically for birdwatching.

Often referred to as the “jewel” of the National Wildlife System, Santa Ana benefits the entire Rio Grande Valley economy with visitors from around the world. Over 90% stay three-to-seven nights to experience all that the Refuge has to offer, which contributes to over $34 million per year towards Alamo’s economy.

The Refuge is a vital source of income to the community thanks in part to job creation opportunities and the growth of local businesses that stem as a result of out-of-area visitors.

More Activities to Enjoy

The Refuge may look like nothing more than a birding paradise, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Step back in time and view how the Rio Grande Valley looked almost 200 years ago within the refuge! With so such rich history and miles of trails, Santa Ana has plenty of opportunities for you to explore, including:

  • Photography
  • Stargazing
  • Nature Trails
  • Hiking
  • A Nature Tram
  • Family Fun Day
  • Winter Texan Appreciation Day

For more information about things going on at the Refuge, visit their Facebook event page

How the Refuge Helps Our Economy

The Alamo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is proud to be home to one of the most popular ecotourism refuges in the state. Ecotourism has been a game-changer when it comes to environmental conservation. It has essentially made it profitable to be environmentally conscious. When your key features are pristine environments and birdwatching, it is paramount to invest in programs that will protect these environments for years to come.

Ecotourism is at the heart of what Alamo believes in, and we want the world to experience the beauty that we wake up to every day. As such, we have put extensive work into preserving and promoting bird habitats across the city and taken steps toward a greener initiative in the city.

Ecotourism in Business

Defined by The International Ecotourism Society as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”, ecotourism has been boosting businesses with consumers not just for travel, but for products that are environmentally friendly as well. According to Environmental Leader, consumers are 53% more likely to purchase environmentally friendly products from a company that has a strong environmental reputation.

More than Business

Ecotourism is a greener initiative that affects us all. Spearheaded by the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo is also leading the Rio Grande Valley in adopting greener practices and enhancing nature’s corridors. We seek to increase our community’s development and self-sufficiency by supporting measures that emphasize local initiatives and opportunities such as:

  • Implementation of solar panels – rolling out phase by phase in the downtown area.
  • Infrastructure upgrades across the city.
  • Park improvements (over $500,000 worth in 2016).

By implementing greener measures, not only are we adding to business expansion, but also to the overall growth of the economy and to a healthier, greener tomorrow.

Let’s Grow Greener Together

At the Alamo EDC, we encourage businesses invested in a greener tomorrow to relocate to or open in our city. By getting in touch with us, we can help you find an incentive package that best fits your company’s needs.

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