nessmen and ranchers, all working together, striving to create a self sustaining artificial reef with the steppingstones of habitat to actually increase the fish population. For more information about this project go to www.rgvreef.com Sandcastle Trail There is a reason we are the Sandcastle Capital of the Universe. Where else can you visit and see sandcastles year round? Not only can you see completed sand sculptures, but you might also catch one of the local masters working on their latest project on the Sandcastle Trail. Because our sand sculptures are made of sand and water, they are vulnerable to the time, weather and people. Our local masters, and their assistants, work year round to maintain our sand treasures. A longtime dream of South Padre Island Sandcastle Master Sandy Feet, work began on the individual sculptures that makeup the Sandcastle Trail in the summer of 2013 after a financial commitment in matching funds was received from the City of South Padre Island. Everyone loves to see a beautiful sandcastle created by a talented artist. There are currently 25 sandcastles located all over the Island just waiting for you to stop by to see, and of course take photos. Stop by the SPI Chamber Information Center at 610 Padre Blvd. or the Visitors Center at 321 Padre Blvd. to pick-up a copy of The Art Trails map of the locations, and while you are there be sure to take a look at the sandcastle located out front on the street. Do not forget your camera because you will want your picture with this one to share with friends and family. Please remember that while our sandcastles love to be viewed, and have their picture taken, they are vulnerable to human hands. Please look as long as you like and flash those cameras, but please do not touch. Sea Turtle, Inc. Turtles have feelings too. Did you know that picking a turtle up by its shell without supporting the tummy is like being lifted by our finger, toe nails or hair? Founded by Illa Loetscher, affectionately known as the “Turtle Lady”, this enviro-friendly organization is dedicated to caring for and educating the public about
endangered sea turtles. A boardwalk connects the rehabilitation center to the 30,000 square foot Education Center, which includes six aquarium-style tanks, an amphitheater, indoor museum display and larger gift shop. The Education Center not only enhances the Island, but potentially makes Sea Turtle, Inc. the premier sea turtle facility in the United States. Located at 6617 Padre Blvd., the facility is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information call 956.761.4511 or go to seaturtleinc.com. If you see a sea turtle, call the TURTLE HOTLINE at 956.380.9677.
Sea Turtle Art Trail Sea Turtles are “hatching” all over the Island! Seven very talented local artists used their creative vision to transform fiberglass sea turtle forms, wearing nothing but a rough factory priming, into an amazing work of vibrant art that you do not want to miss seeing. And guess what? Our turtles LOVE to have their picture made with our visitors, so snap away and be sure to post and tag your location. You will be the envy of all your friends. Stop by the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Information Center at 610 Padre Blvd. or the Visitors Center at 321 Padre Blvd. to pickup a copy of The Art Trails map of all the locations. South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary Located 3.5 miles north of the causeway at 6801 Padre Blvd., the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary facility includes a 10,000 square
foot Nature Center with an exhibit hall that takes visitors on an educational voyage from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, through the dunes on our beautiful beaches and into the Laguna Madre Bay. The Center also features over 3,300 feet of boardwalk, 50 acres of wetlands, a 5-story observation tower, 5 bird blinds, a gator pond, Sulcata Tortoise exhibit, gift shop and butterfly garden. While you are there you definitely want to take time to meet Big Padre, the resident 12’7” alligator, and don’t forget to feed the gators in the Gator Pond. For more information about the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator
Sanctuary, see page 41, call 956761-6801 or www.spibirding.com South Padre Island Convention Centre The South Padre Island Convention Centre, with its breathtaking view of the Laguna Madre Bay, offers 45,000 square feet of meeting space that can be utilized in a variety of configurations. The Convention Centre has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, which has strengthened the buildings structure, improved its functionality, and increased its aesthetic value. Primary facilities include an unobstructed 22,500 square feet of Exhibit Hall space with a clear ceiling height of 36 feet for large meetings and sporting events; a 2,633 square feet conference auditorium; with 8 breakout rooms for concurrent sessions and 9,000 total square feet of breakout space. The South Padre Island Convention Centre is a premier
destination venue to book your next meeting, convention, concert, special event, athletic competition or much more! Call 800-OK-PADRE or email info@ sopadre.com University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Lab The Coastal Studies Lab located at Isla Blanca Park, on South Padre Island, was established in 1973, and is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service, and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with special emphasis on the South Texas region. The lab exhibits marine life such as crustaceans and marine vertebrates, and plant life. Throughout the year, educational classes are held for both residents and visitors. Classes during the winter months are held for our Winter Texans, and classes during the summer include a very popular kid’s camp. The lab is open to the public for self-guided tours Monday through Friday 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and is also open for group tours, by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information, or to schedule a tour, call 956.761.2644, email coastal@utrgv.edu or go to their website at www.utrgv.edu/csl Whaling Wall #53 Another stunningly beautiful site to see at the Convention Centre is the famous “Whaling Wall #53” by acclaimed environmental artist Wyland. Wyland wanted to show homage to whales and other creatures of the sea by devoting his talent to painting 100 walls across the world. His “Whaling Walls” serve as a perfect way to capture the grandeur of his subjects since drawing giant whales on small canvases became extremely limiting. The walls of the South Padre Island Convention Centre provided the 53rd life size canvas for the Wyland project; the first of its kind in Texas, and along the entire Gulf Coast. Spanning 153 feet in length, covering 3 walls and 23 feet in height, it took over 111 gallons of paint, 100 volunteers, and nearly four days to complete. To view this magnificent wall 24 hours a day stop by the SPI Convention Centre at 7355 Padre Blvd. ` sopadre.com 31
