I have sent applications to all of the National Wildlife Refuges near South Padre and have applied with the Texas State Parks. I even sent an application for a workamper position to the KOA Kampground on South Padre Island.
So far, the only offer I have received is for the
World Birding Center in Roma, TX
(click on the link above to go their website)
this center is about 2 1/2 hours from South Padre. If I visit with my daughter on my days off - that means 5 hours of driving and a lot of gas$$$.
I'm wondering if anyone reading this blog
has any experience
with visiting or volunteering at this Center.
I have checked out the website and they have a lot to offer visitors. I'm thinking maybe I could stay closer to my daughter from November to January and then see if I could volunteer from mid-January through April - before going on to a summer job.
Hope to hear some feedback/suggestions from some of my readers, Thanks.
Roma Bluffs is currently offering:
- Rio Grande Observation Deck
- Outdoor Amphitheater
- Canoe Trips
- 1881 National Historic Landmark Building
- Natural History Tours
- Walking Trails
- Bird Tours
- Organized Classes
- Exhibits & Gift Shop
As a seasonal I say yes to everybody and then decide.
ReplyDeleteThe center looks great on the website, but I'd probably check out the crime rate in that area. Being on the border like that, you might want to check out the area. Have you looked around in Corpus Christi? It's closer to South Padre.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel ok in Roma, is it possible for you & your daughter to meet halfway at a campground somewhere for visits? That would save you some gas money & let her get away for a little while.
Teri, I'll also ask a friend about the center for you. She might be familiar with it. She lived in Harlingen for several years & her husband works at the nature center in Harlingen. He is really into the birding thing too.
ReplyDeleteTeri, Roma is the furthest west of the nine sites listed on the right of the volunteer application. There is even one location on South Padre. Most of these locations might be close to or on the border and I'm not sure if they provide RV spaces for their volunteers. I winter in the mission area and here is the local paper http://www.themonitor.com/ which might help you get the lay of the land.
ReplyDeleteI've spent a great deal of time on South Padre and in the little town of Port Isabel. Several family members have second homes in a place called Long Island Village, a retirement community that's really wonderful, and is situated to the right, just before you cross over the causeway. It's on the end of Garcia St. Perhaps they have positions that would include camper space. They have many sites for recreational vehicles. I've always enjoyed my stays there. It is a secured community.
ReplyDeleteI know absolutely nothing about that area but fingers are crossed for you to find something that will work for you.
ReplyDeletesounds like you have some decisions to make...good luck..I know you will make the right one for you and for the 'daughter visits'!
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about that area, but I sure hope you find something that allows you to spend optimum time with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteI emailed my friend, but her ex is out of town right now. He's the one that works at the nature center in Harlingen. She says that Roma is a great birding area, but a pretty rough place otherwise for crime & such.
ReplyDeleteI have visited the Bird Center while staying in San Benito,at Fun n Sun RV park, with a group of singles. Had a very good time, got to see an owl, but it really was hot and humid. Loved the birds.Glad I did it, sure couldn't walk it now. Also visited a neat Mexican food place, right on the river, lots of dancing,took a boat ride down the river. It was a hoot!
ReplyDeleteTeri, I heard back from Connie's ex, email me & I'll send the email to you. SalukiZ(at)hotmail.com
ReplyDelete