My name is Alex. I am born and raised in the RGV which is home to the Padre Island National Seashore and the Palo Alto Battlefield, both protected National Historic parks.
Growing up within minutes of each of these parks means that I carry a special appreciation for them. I spent nearly every weekend at SPI up until the day I left for college.
As you can imagine, those 18 years were full of beach cook-outs, fishing with dad and grandpa, playing soccer or volleyball at Clayton’s with my friends, even my first job at Louie’s Backyard and so much more.
Protecting these parks and all others across Texas is important to Texans everywhere. These places have become central to our communities, whether it’s a fisherman on South Padre or a bird watcher in Big Bend.
Sincerely,
Padre Island National Seashore
Travelers might not picture stunning beaches and undisturbed lagoons, marshlands, and coastal prairies when they think of Texas, but Padre Island National Seashore preserves the largest undeveloped barrier island in the world with a range of unspoiled natural features. The varied types of geography at the park make it an ideal stopover for a range of migratory birds on the Central Flyway seeking food and shelter, and the American Bird Conservancy has designated the park a Globally Important Bird Area. An estimated 380 different types of birds inhabit Padre Island over the course of a year—nearly half the total number of bird species in the entire country.
State(s): Texas
Established: 1968
“I love biodiversity. ”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now