Money troubles for Sabal Palm Audubon Center

It has been a bad year for the Sabal Palm Audubon Center, one of the Rio Grande Valley's most visited nature preserves.

First, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to build a border fence just north of the center's property, potentially sealing it off from the public.

Then the financial crisis hit, and foundation's revenue significantly decreased. General donations declined approximately 40 percent in the last year, an Audubon official said. Visitation to the center declined more than 25 percent.

As a result of the impending fence construction and financial setbacks, the center has announced a new schedule, which at least for the near future will limit public access.

"We're not getting the amount of gifts we need to sustain this as a center," said Audubon Texas Executive Director Bob Benson. "I hope people don't look at this as giving up . . . we're just trying to weather a storm."

Benson said the long-term future of the wildlife refuge is uncertain.

However, for now the center will be closed to the public from May 15 to Oct. 15. From Oct. 15 to Dec. 15, it will be open weekends only. From Dec. 15 to May 15, it will be open Tuesday through Sunday.

Group tours can be scheduled during the closed season for $10 per person.

The 557-acre property, owned by The National Audubon Society, is home to one of the only two remaining large stands of native sabal palms in the nation. It also has been one of the most popular birding destinations in South Texas.

Unlike other Audubon facilities, which are funded largely by the cities in which they are located, the Sabal Palm Audubon Center receives little funding from the city of Brownsville.

"A handful of organizations are still donating," Benson said. "But it's just not enough."

Benson said he hopes the limited schedule is only temporary. If donations to the center increase, the center could return to its normal schedule.

But once construction begins on the border fence, the facility may have to re-evaluate its plans.

"We're still not sure if the fence will be built north of our property, or if there be a gate for access there," Benson said.

If the barrier is constructed, Audubon officials worry, vandalism, safety and securing insurance could present serious problems.