San Angelo Nature Center
If you’ve never been to a wildlife refuge before, you must check out the San Angelo Nature Center in Texas. Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this sanctuary is home to more than 100 species of birds and 350 species of plants. The San Angelo Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving native habitats for native wildlife. We recently had the opportunity to visit the center and explore its surroundings. We learned about some common animals that live there and how visitors can help protect these animals from poachers, habitat destruction and other dangers that threaten their existence in the wild. Call your friends and family to visit this amazing sanctuary at 7409 Knickerbocker Rd, San Angelo, TX 76904.
How did the San Angelo Nature Center come to be?
The San Angelo Nature Center began as a vision during the early 1970s, when Doug and Georgia Riddle visited the San Angelo National Wildlife Refuge. The Riddles, who have since passed away, were inspired by the numerous birds they discovered while visiting the Refuge and began to dream of creating their own place where the same birds could live, thrive and be enjoyed by others. In 1987, Doug and Georgia’s dream became a reality when the San Angelo Nature Center opened its doors for the first time. At the time, the Riddles were both experienced birders and conservationists. They knew how vital it was to protect native habitats and species, and they also understood firsthand how easily invasive species could wipe out entire ecosystems. They believed that if people appreciated native wildlife and plants, conservation efforts would be far more successful. There are now more than 400 nature centers around the world, but the San Angelo Nature Center is the only one located in Texas. browse around this site
Visitors can help protect wildlife at the center
The San Angelo Nature Center is a wonderful place to visit, but it’s a little different from most wildlife refuges. It’s a completely self-sufficient wildlife refuge and relies entirely on donations to operate. It receives no government funding, so every penny that visitors spend at the Center goes directly to help provide for the wildlife. With more than 20,000 visitors annually and an estimated $1.5 million worth of donations each year, the San Angelo Nature Center is an important part of the local ecosystem. Visitors can make donations online, or stop by to make a donation in person.
Common animals you’ll find at the San Angelo Nature Center
- Black-capped Chickadees - These common birds are one of the most common species at the San Angelo Nature Center. The Center provides the black-capped chickadees with a natural habitat they would have difficulty finding elsewhere, and the birds have thrived under these conditions. In fact, they are often found feeding on the Center’s own seed feeders. - Blue Grosbeaks - These grosbeaks are also commonly found at the San Angelo Nature Center. They are large, bright blue birds with white wing patches and red beaks. Blue grosbeaks have adapted to the habitats of the Hill Country and can be found in a wide variety of settings, including urban parks and gardens, agricultural lands and forests. - Purple martins - This is one of the most famous birds at the San Angelo Nature Center. They are so famous that there’s even a famous martin statue in front of the Center. These birds are often called swallow-tail swallows because of their purple-tipped tail feathers. - Indigo Bunting - This common, bluebird-like bird is one of the more common species at the Center. In fact, bunting can be found in just about any outdoor setting, from forests and farms to cities and suburbs.
Why is it important to protect habitat?
Wildlife is defined by its habitat. Animals that live in a particular type of habitat are called “native” animals, while those that live in human-created habitats are called “non-native” animals. When humans appropriate native habitats for other uses, like agriculture or urban areas, wildlife is often harmed or even completely wiped out. Native animals have adapted to their environment over time, so when humans alter their habitats, the animals cannot thrive in the new conditions. This means their population is negatively affected and they may even become extinct. Habitats sustaining native wildlife also often have rich natural resources that benefit humans, like clean water and clean air. When we protect these resources, we protect ourselves from harmful effects like flooding and air pollution.
Conclusion
The San Angelo Nature Center is an amazing place to visit. Not only is it home to hundreds of birds and plants, but it’s also an important part of the local ecosystem. The Center receives more than 20,000 visitors annually and donates more than $1.5 million to support wildlife conservation and education. If you get the chance, check it out; you won’t regret it.