The only palm tree native to Texas grows at this 557-acre sanctuary, operated by a foundation for the National Audubon Society. It sits in a bend of the Rio Grande River that was never plowed under. It's a lush, beautiful and peaceful place with excellent nature hikes.
Although closed for several years by border politics, an agreement keeps the US border fence open during the day so that you can access this lost oasis on US soil. A highlight is the Rabb Plantation House , the 1892 mansion of the original owner. It's being restored and will house a visitors center. Among the good hikes is the 0.4-mile-long Forest Trail .
Sabal palms reach 20ft to 48ft high and have feathery crowns and thick, bristly trunks. They once lined the Rio Grande, covering an area of nearly 63 sq miles. In the past 150 years, most have been cut down, first by early settlers who needed lumber and later by those clearing land for agriculture.
The preserve is 6 miles east of Brownsville off FM 1419 (also called Southmost Rd).
