Of interest to those planning a winter trip to the Rio Grande Valley: Previously only open on Saturday and Sunday mornings, the McAllen Nature Center begins its expanded hours this Friday, January 2nd: Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 am to noon with guided bird and nature walks every Wednesday morning at 8:30. The McAllen Nature Center (previously known as the McAllen Botanical Gardens) is located at 4101 W Business Highway 83, between Bentsen Road and Ware Road. It is a 15 acre preserve with a half mile of trails through the thornforest. Admission is free, and programs are free as well. Tiffany L. Kersten Mission, TX Edit your Freelists account settings for TEXBIRDS at //www.freelists.org/list/texbirds Reposting of traffic from TEXBIRDS is prohibited without seeking permission from the List Owner