San Benito Wetlands’ action discussed

Discussion Eloy Avila — San Benito Parks and Recreation Director, speaks with Green Wildlife Sanctuary Executive Director Jenna Serrano during a wetlands community meeting. San Benito resident Edith Tamez also provided input at a meeting held at the San Benito Economic Development Corporation Building, located at 701 North Bowie Street. (Courtesy Photo/Albert Villegas)

By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS

In preparing a matching grant for a wetlands area that already exists in the city, a multitude of ideas were discussed that would bring warranted attention to a large area that appears to have been forgotten and its needs moderately set aside.

Despite all this, it doesn’t appear that the ecosystem has been negatively affected, San Benito leaders said during a wetlands community meeting inside the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) building on Tuesday.

The 40-acre wetland is situated within a 160-acre property owned by the City of San Benito, which fronts Mayfield Road/Line 20 Road.

Available to answer concerns were Eloy Avila, Jr., San Benito Parks and Recreation Director, and the interim director for the San Benito Public Works Department.

In his initial introduction of the wetlands, Avila, who had been employed with the city for a year, described the wetlands as a “lost gem.” It was described as a “hidden gem” by audience members on several occasions.
“San Benito has something delicious here, and we want to do things right, and by having these kinds of community meetings, it is very much needed,” Avila said. “We do need input from the public so we can get ideas.”

Cathy Beauregard, who arrived here from Los Angeles a year ago, said that a “friends” organization, which meets quarterly, would pave the way for residents to be heard.

San Benito Public Relations Officer Cristina Garcia led the meeting, which lasted an hour and a half. She has been in her city position for half a year. Garcia, who was raised in San Benito, readily admits she learned of the wetlands at the beginning of her tenure with the city.

She said if the city is approved for a $750,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the city would match it.
Grant writer, Patty Alexander, who was taking notes as attendees spoke, stated that the deadline is August 1.

Some longtime residents, as well as others who have been here for at least a year and hail from Ohio and Southern California, have a vested interest in enhancing the wetlands for not only birds but also any terrestrial species that rely on healthy green foliage and water for sustenance.

When the topic of a parking lot arose, the idea of constructing a permeable surface to allow water to pass through it and into the ground was introduced. It was an idea that Garcia also appreciated, as it helps reduce runoff and prevent flooding.

Educators, both retired and active, who attended, said the wetlands would be an ideal destination for teachers and students at the middle school and high school levels. It’s for this reason that San Benito CISD will be kept informed of the city’s decisions, San Benito Parks and Recreation Coordinator Joey Ramos said during the meeting.

There’s also the matter of various government entities working together, Ramos said, including Cameron County and the irrigation district, whose input or lack thereof could affect the area in and around the wetlands.

Since the wetlands were the focal point of discussion, attendees also received a site concept diagram that showed the possible addition of improved walking trails, bird blinds, and restrooms.

Stakeholders from the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival and Green Wildlife Sanctuary were among those in attendance.

Bridging the gap between humans and wildlife is a topic dear to the heart of Green Wildlife Sanctuary Executive Director Jenna Serrano.

She speaks at various events about ecotourism, and when the possibility of improving bridges at the wetlands was raised, she honed in.

“It would be ideal that once city leaders and we receive more ideas, produce some surveys and ask, get information so things can get started,” Serrano said.

Alexander said there is a tiny window to obtain community information, with the August deadline fast approaching.

Garcia said the city will communicate via social media to meet again, an idea Avila said he encourages.
According to the city’s website, the following is used to describe the wetlands: “On November 3 and 4, 2022, the San Benito Wetlands hosted the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. With over 270 recorded bird species, the Wetlands are a microcosm of South Texas habitats.

Enhanced by trails, water features, bird-feeding areas, photographic blinds, and extensive plantings of native vegetation, the San Benito Wetlands offers a unique experience that is a must-visit for nature lovers.”