Taking a Palm Trip
We like traveling to various botanical gardens. But this was different!
“Rio Grande Valley” Weekend Biennial
This every other year International Palm Society Event was a visit with The Palm Society of South Texas. It lasted from December 12-14, 2025. And you’ve guessed where it was held - right? We all stayed at Margaritaville on South Padre Island.
We took 4 full days to drive there (4 days back, too) and as we entered the region, we were surprised to see Washingtonias growing all over the place. Just like we have here in Tucson, in the desert!
From the locals we came to understand that the area doesn’t see much rain. It gets between 20-30in/51-76cm of yearly rainfall. So W. robusta, W. filifera & W. filibusta thrive in the environment.
This far south Texas triangle is actually one of the most biologically diverse plant communities in North America. Some call it the South Texas Plains. Yet still inaccurately nicknamed “the Rio Grande Valley.”
It’s a Unique Ecoregion. The correct term for the area is “deltaic plain.” Which is a flat area formed by an old river delta that no longer gets much water as it did in the past. Because of man-made levees & dams. Plus upstream people take up water.
The Amazing Schedule
FRIDAY EVENING
Began with a happy hour + seafood dinner.
Then Dr. Scott Zona (renowned botanist & palm expert) introduced the talk about palm design presented by Jason Dewees, author of “Designing with Palms.”
SATURDAY 8am TO 6pm
We toured the South Padre Island Nature Center. Walking a boardwalk through fresh and then saltwater environments.
Next we went to Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville TX. Local outdoors reporter Richard Moore provided a South Texas video of the area’s challenges.
Next came the Zoo’s curator, who spoke of the developing plan of working with the local Palm Society to combine a botanical garden atmosphere into the zoo. (They have tons of palms & other tropical plants already.)
We all explored the zoo’s enchanting acres.
Enclosure with palms at the zoo in Brownsville TX Then were transported to a wonderful Private Garden filled with palms. Topping it off with a happy hour around the pool.
SUNDAY 10am TO 3pm
The best of all, we thought. We toured the Sabal Palm Sanctuary.
In times past the Texas Sable Palm (Sabal mexicana) grew in vast areas of South Texas. Now, because of land clearing for farming & development, very few are found outside the sanctuary.
Larry Lof, local historian and professor gave an excellent historical/botanical presentation about the sanctuary. We also learned Sabal mexicana has been nominated as the Texas State Palm. It is the only native palm of Texas.
One short, final talk centered on the IPS 2025 Preservation Project - Ravenea louvelii Beentje, a rare and Critically Endangered palm, native to Madagascar. If you’re able, please help.
Local society members prepared a homemade Mexican food feast! When we were about to tour the property, amazingly it began pouring rain!
After half an hour it dwindled to a drizzle, and the adventurous walked the muddy trails. We, ourselves, concentrated on the historic 1892 Rabb Plantation House which is preserved.
These types of trips are prepared specially for the members of the International Palm Society. Our understanding is that if you’re a member of a local palm society, you’re automatically in the IPS.
We recommend all palm-lovers Join Up to be able to take part in all they provide!
