Edinburg Turned Reclaimed Farm Fields into an Urban Wetland

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands began where old farm fields met the city's water system. The center opened in March 2003 as the first of nine World Birding Centers. Its 40 acres sit inside a city park beside Edinburg's effluent and floodwater ponds, with the reclaimed fields serving as native habitat.

That origin is easy to see on foot. The grounds have 2.5 miles of trails, two large wetland ponds, a canal overlook, a dragonfly pond, a discovery pond, and seven viewing docks. A 3.5-acre native butterfly habitat surrounds the interpretive center.

Inside are exhibits on wetlands, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies, plus a classroom used for a fifth-grade wetland program.

The center teaches the need, value, and natural beauty of local wetlands. Outside, city water ponds and wild habitat share the same 40 acres in the middle of Edinburg.