Cristina Torres Memorial Observatory of Resaca de la Palma State Park

Resaca de la Palma State Park is one of three state parks belonging to the World Birding Center and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At 1,200 acres, Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest of the World Birding Center sites and is located in Brownsville.

Although the primary recreational activity at Resaca de la Palma State Park is birdwatching, the park offers several trails for hiking and biking, a tram tour, observation decks, and a butterfly garden. The visitor center includes a state park store, as well as a meeting room. Private vehicles are prohibited within the park. Resaca de la Palma’s various trails are accessible by foot, bike, and tram.

The Cristina Torres Memorial Observatory holds Astronomy in the Park events, hosted by the Time Domain Astronomy Group, which is composed of graduate and undergraduate physics students with interest in astronomy research. The Observatory operates 7 large telescopes, including a 16-inch research telescope (weather permitting).