Weslaco, TX, August 14, 2018—For anyone who enjoys the beautiful outdoors of South Texas or anyone looking to relax after a day’s work, consider completing your day with a yoga session at Weslaco’s Frontera Audubon.

Yogi instructor Brittany Castro leads class every Tuesday at 7 p.m. The lush green scenery of the Audubon offers a peaceful environment suitable for a Yoga class on their lawns.

The Frontera Audubon is a non-profit visiting center offering outdoor scenery and showcasing the wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley. Located in Weslaco, the 15-acre reserve has been in operation since the 1970s as an effort to preserve the homes of plants and wildlife—native and non-native alike.

With such a grand and beautiful historic building near the side of the road, the Audubon is difficult to miss after passing downtown Weslaco.

Visitors are welcomed by the distinct signage at the entrance designed to attract individuals who enjoy bird watching. And while it is not widely known that this class is offered at the Audubon, the staff advertises it as much as they can.

Although bird watching is the primary activity associated with the Audubon, they offer many other family-friendly group activities throughout the year. Guided hikes exploring the beautiful trails are another option out of many to choose from.

The audubon is a sanctuary for the animals and other wildlife that choose to make it their home. A thick forest spreads throughout the 15-acre property, along with butterfly gardens and ponds within the reserve that hail visitors from all over the United States yearning to visit this renowned haven.

Built in 1927 by the Weslaco residents who began growing citrus, this land has become a historic landmark of Texas. After the original owners passed away the property was donated to the organization in the 1990s, who continues to maintain the property.

Visitors who spend time at this historic site are captivated by the loud calls of the local and specialty wildlife taking refuge in the area. The many trees and shrubs of the preserve provide the perfect quiet place to hold an intimate yoga session.

This serene venue serves well for an activity that encourages health awareness and, in addition, does not disturb the wildlife going about their day-to-day business. The class and the instructor are able to immerse themselves with the gentle motions of yoga while being respectful to the area and its animal residents.

There are many areas visitors can wander about and explore before they begin their session with Castro. Dirt trails lead the way to the gardens located deep within the brush of the reserve.

Rays of sunset glimmer through the thickness of the trees, providing sunlight to some of the plants that are unable to grow as high as the neighboring wildlife. The sunlight highlights the natural beauty of the lush garden and plant life that wrap around every inch of the ground.

 Markers are placed along the trails of the reserve to guide visitors around the 15-acre property. Even then, the reserve may be intimidating for an individual visiting for the first time.

Animals and insects dash in and out of the brushes seeking cover and shelter for rest. Similar to the wildlife in search for rest, those practicing yoga may find calmness and refuge. 

Every Tuesday the session takes place behind the largest two buildings on the reserve. The wide-open grassy area is ideal for one to relax and immerse themself in the environment.

All supplies must be brought by the individual attending the park—or the yoga class. Suggested items include bug repellant, water and sunblock. Not much else is needed to receive shield because by the time the session has begun, the sun begins to set behind the historic building.

As 7 p.m. nears, the class gets started with an introduction from the instructor. From that point on it is a series of yoga positions to relax the muscles. Castro instructs against allowing oneself to be consumed with the troubles of the day and to clear all thoughts.

Not many places in the Rio Grande Valley can offer a unique, private experience like the one that the Audubon provides to the public. This class is an intimate session where you can seek cover and privacy from the disruptive loudness of the world, much like the animals of the Audubon do.

Each breath and each pose is meant to achieve the benefits that are obtained through practicing yoga; the session lasts for about an hour. Although South Texas offers consumers other options and activities to de-stress from their busy workdays, this experience is unlike any other.

This outdoor yoga session can be done independently, with friends, or as family. Individuals of all ages and different levels of expertise are welcome to partake in the activity. The class offers visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with the serenity the Audubon provides.

In being surrounded by the wildlife and plant life of the Rio Grande Valley, it is difficult not to be mindful of the impact our actions have on the environment. The physical benefits yoga offers are just as powerful as the comfort that the park lends the spirit.

While the Audubon offers a class that can be done in most studios, gyms and even homes, the unique experience of being encompassed by nature cannot be obtained anywhere.