S. Texas Nature Center

Extends Visitor Hours

The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center in Corpus Christi, TX, will extend its opening hours beginning Jan. 1, 2010, to accommodate birders, photographers and nature buffs. 

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily now, the new hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

“Birders long have been telling us early mornings bring out the best in birds and birders,” said Executive Director Dr. Michael Womack. “And of course, we want to attract more birders to “America’s Birdiest City’,” he added. Many professional as well as excellent amateur photographers also requested the earlier and later hours, both for best lighting and lighter winds.

Botanical Garden staff have noticed more and more people coming at 4 p.m. thinking the facility was open later. As a result, they don't have time for an in-depth tour.

Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Keith Arnold says he and his staff are happy to see the expanded hours. “With our local and global focus on nature tourism now, meeting more needs of our nature tourist is paramount,” he explained. “This change by the Botanical Gardens can bring longer hotel stays, as well as accommodate our Coastal Bend residents.”

With the new Butterfly House and Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory now open, general admission prices also will increase $1 in all categories.

New admission pricing for adults (13-59) is $6; seniors (60), active military (ID) and college students (ID) is $5; and children (5-12) is $3. Children ages 5 and younger and members will continue to be admitted free.

The Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is located at 8545 S. Staples St. in Corpus Christi. For more information, call 361-852-2100.