Rio Grande Valley Weekend Biennial - All Inclusive Ticket

Rio Grande Valley Weekend Biennial - All Inclusive Ticket

Hosted by the International Palm Society & the Palm Society of South Texas

Dates: December 12-14, 2025

Join the Palm Society of South Texas and the International Palm Society for a special weekend celebrating the unique flora and fauna of South Texas—featuring exclusive tours of private and public gardens, engaging expert speakers, and a visit to the last vestige of native Sabal palm forest.

Sabal Palm Sanctuary

South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

This event is intended for IPS members who are coming from out of town and provides transportation and access to all activities throughout the weekend.  You must have an IPS paid membership to register for this event.

IPS Member All Inclusive Package: $325.00/person

Available to all paid IPS membership levels:

• Special discounted room rate with breakfast for attendees at Hotel Margaritaville (hotel room not included in price).
  
• Ground transportation from Hotel Margaritaville to all events
• Seafood Buffet Opening Banquet & Presentation by Jason Dewees, author of DESIGNING WITH PALMS.  Special introduction by Dr. Scott Zona, botanist and author of  A GARDENER'S GUIDE TO BOTANY: THE BIOLOGY BEHIND THE PLANTS YOU LOVE, HOW THEY GROW, AND WHAT THEY NEED.  A book signing by both authors will follow the presentation.
• South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary guided tour 
• Joint PSST and IPS Meeting at the Gladys Porter Zoo. The meeting will feature a special video presentation by Outdoor Reporter Richard Moore who has spent a lifetime documenting the natural wonders found around South Texas and Northern Mexico.  PSST members will guide a tour of the zoo, highlighting the society’s unique palm plantings integrated throughout the animal habitats and landscaped grounds.  An award winning South Texas BBQ lunch will be provided.
• Private tour of two neighboring gardens and Happy Hour courtesy of Dr. Romeo Montalvo
• Sabal Palm Sanctuary expert-guided tour and time to explore the Sabal palm forest, bird blinds, and historical buildings.   We will learn about the history of the Rio Grande River and 1892 Rabb Plantation House in a presentation by Larry Lof, CEO of the Gorgas Science Foundation and professor emeritus at the University of Texas-Brownsville.  Larry is a local historian, historical restoration specialist, and PSST member.   An authentic, made from scratch, Mexican lunch is included.
• $100.00 Donation to IPS to help fund its conservation and research grants, Palms journal publication, and Palm Talk online community forum.

Notes:

• Hotel accommodation not included.  Attendees must make their own reservations.  A link for the discount will be provided in the confirmation email sent after registration is completed.
• Getting There:

  Airfare is not included.

  Two airports serve the Brownsville area. Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen has more service but is farther from San Padre Island, while Brownsville Airport (BRO) has more limited service but is closer to San Padre Island.  Transportation from/to the airport is not included in the package, however, as a courtesy, the biennial bus will leave the Sabal Palm Sanctuary at 3:00 pm and drop people off at Valley International Airport Sunday, December 14 (45 min drive).

Details