03/13/2026
Grand Opening of New Boardwalks at LaLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refugeational Wildlife
Community Invited to Celebrate Enhanced Access to Nature
The Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is excited to announce the grand opening of its newly constructed boardwalks, that promise to enrich visitors’ experiences and foster greater appreciation for the Lower Rio Grande’s unique ecosystems. The boardwalks were built to honor Ms. Leann Parker, a Harlingen native and perennial visitor to LANWR. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM, inviting the public to explore this scenic addition and celebrate a new era of accessibility, education, and conservation.
The new boardwalks included complete replacement and enlargement at the extremely popular Alligator Pond and new construction at Osprey Overlook extending into the Laguna Atascosa. These sites offer intimate views of alligators and migratory waterfowl allowing guests of all ages and abilities to connect with nature safely and comfortably. Friends, refuge staff, and community partners will be present to mark this significant occasion, underscoring a shared commitment to preserving South Texas’s treasured natural resources for generations to come.
“I have known Leann since we were in first grade. LANWR was her favorite place in the world. We often sat at Osprey Overlook enjoying the beauty of nature.” says Pete Moore, vice president, FLANWR. “The boardwalks will serve the public for decades.”
The Friends of Laguna Atascosa NWR is 501(3)(c) non-profit citizens group whose mission is to protect, support and enhance the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. FLANWR is active in education programs, recreation opportunities, operational support, habitat restoration, land acquisition, and other projects as requested by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.savetexasocelots.org
https://flanwr.org
For more information:
Dr. Tom de Maar, Secretary, FLANWR,
956-621-6066. [email protected]
