Hispanic Access Foundation, Por La Creación Faith-Based Alliance members, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working to increase equitable access to nature for Latinos and local communities near the Rio Grande Valley in the McAllen/Edinburg area in South Texas. Focusing on changing the designation of the Palmview Parcel from wildlife-only access to public access, and visitor infrastructure development of Yturria Brush.

Addressing the Nature Gap in South Texas

Latino communities in the Rio Grande Valley face a pronounced Nature Gap—limited access to parks and green spaces due to urban development and inadequate infrastructure. The Palmview Parcel, part of the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Refuge, was originally established as a wildlife corridor but has been surrounded by urban growth, diminishing its ecological function and accessibility. Similarly, the Yturria Brush tract, a 1,800-acre upland thorn scrub habitat, remains underutilized by local residents due to a lack of awareness and welcoming infrastructure. Without intervention, these areas risk further detachment from the communities they could serve.

	Palmview Parcel The Palmview Parcel presents an opportunity to reconnect communities with nature while preserving its ecological value. The project aims to: Redesignate the parcel from wildlife-only access to public access. Develop an infrastructure plan in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that includes educational resources, bilingual (Spanish and English) signage, and cultural and ecological heritage recognition. Secure funding to implement the infrastructure plan.
	Yturria Brush The Yturria Brush tract, west of La Joya, Texas, is a vital habitat for wildlife and an ideal space for recreation and environmental education. Project goals include: Adding shaded areas, benches, picnic tables, and interpretive signage to make the area more inviting. Increasing awareness among local Latino communities to encourage visitation and foster a sense of ownership.