The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will advance the knowledge and appreciation of plants and the environment, in relation to personal and community education, well-being, and scientific understanding. It will conserve, preserve, display and interpret native and adapted flora and fauna of South Texas, for area residents and visitors alike.
(Amended & approved May 21, 2002)

Operating Statement

Our facility strives to: Offer an ever-growing source of beauty, information, environmental learning and entertainment; Provide a positive and satisfying visitor experience; Enhance local quality of life and economic development through nature tourism.

Funding the Garden & Nature Center

The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center offers personal, corporate and gift membership, honorariums and memorials, planned giving, foundation and corporate grant opportunities. Donations also may be made to the Endowment Fund, directed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, or the Operations & Maintenance Fund. The Botanical Nature Institute of South Texas, Inc., which operates the Gardens, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, governed by a local Board of Directors.

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center adds Reptiles in Residence, exotic parrot collection, new education facility, expanded Nature Boutique . . . new Orchid Conservatory opening in 2014! Flora, Fauna, Fun!

CORPUS CHRISTI—The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a 182-acre informal, rather outside-the-box destination on Oso Creek showcasing its ‘Flora, Fauna, Fun’ approach to nature tourism! Highlighting the 2600 square-foot screened Butterfly House, Orchid and Bromeliad Conservatories, majestic Rose Garden and seasonal Plumeria Garden, visitors also can admire Sensory Garden ‘artscape’, and diversity of quaint Hummingbird, desert Arid, and lush Tropical Gardens. Resident Reptiles and vibrant exotic parrots provide entertainment and learning elements not found at typical botanical gardens.

Crossing over to the “nature center” segment of vast native habitat and natural wetlands, explore the shaded Brennecke Nature Trail with its birding tower and bronze wildlife sculpture by world-renowned artist Kent Ullberg. From the rustic Palapa Grande, enjoy serene views of Gator Lake, and take the Wetland Awareness Boardwalk for an educational stroll through scenic natural wetlands--often with views of Roseate Spoonbills and White Pelicans--and the bird and wildlife blinds along the mesquite-lined Oso Creek Loop Trail.

Returning to civilization, let kids explore Monkey Mansion Tree House; then shop the expanded and remodeled Nature’s Boutique in the Visitors Center, enjoying a snack or drink.

This beautiful, educational venue is a memorable destination for tourists, residents, garden enthusiasts, birdwatchers, teachers and students, or families out for an enjoyable recreational change of pace. Open daily 9 am to 6 pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, general admission is $8 adults; $6 seniors, active military, college students; $4 children three to 12; members free. Free auto, bus, RV parking.

Well-behaved, friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.