Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – As children are being released for summer break, Judge Cortez offers the Junior Explorer Initiative, a program designed to encourage the youth of Hidalgo County to embrace the outdoors and visit the many world-renowned parks and destinations located in our backyard. The Explore Hidalgo County Nature Trail that launched on April 22, 2022, was the first step in highlighting the hidden gems located in Hidalgo County.
“One of my priorities as County Judge has been to bring attention to the parks and outdoor destinations of Hidalgo County,” said County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “I hope to encourage children and parents throughout Hidalgo County to take advantage of the summer months to visit the Hidalgo County Nature Trail parks.”
The objective of the Junior Explorers program is for each participant to attend the 10 nature parks in the Explore Hidalgo County Nature Trail to become an official Hidalgo County Junior Explorer. The participating child can pick up a program packet at the following parks: Quinta Mazatlan (McAllen); Bentsen State Park (Mission); Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge (Alamo); Estero Llano Grande State Park (Weslaco); McAllen Nature Center; Edinburg Scenic Wetlands; Old Hidalgo Pumphouse and Weslaco Valley Nature Center. Each packet includes an Explore Hidalgo County Resource Guide, Junior Explorer Nature Trail Passport and flyers for parents and children with instructions on the program.
Upon arriving at a destination, each participant will receive a sticker to be placed on their Junior Explorer Passport. Upon visiting all of the destinations listed, the Junior Explorer is invited to visit the Hidalgo County Judge’s Office at 100 E Cano St., Edinburg, TX 78539 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to collect a surprise.
“Through this program, my goal is to instill a passion for the preservation of our natural environment in the young people of Hidalgo County,” said Judge Cortez. “Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable — it’s also necessary. Being outside also helps children feel less stressed.”
Local, state and national park representatives have expressed excitement at the regional approach this initiative takes and look forward to the visits of all future Hidalgo County Junior Explorers.
For additional information on the program, please visit our website at www.ExploreHidalgoCounty.com.
