A Retreating River Wayside

The “A Retreating River” wayside provides an overview of some of the wildlife in the resaca habitat.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Brownsville, TX

Main Text

The low ravine before you is a reminder of one of the most significant retreats from this battlefield—the withdrawal of the Rio Grande. Almost 5,000 years ago, that river continually changed course, carving new paths across the flat coastal plain. It left behind long channels, known as “resacas,” to mark its former position. 

Sub Text

Temporary Support 
Palo Alto’s resacas are completely cut off from the Rio Grande and collect water only after periods of heavy rain. On those occasions, plants and animals quickly appear to take advantage of the transformation.

Refreshing Resacas  
In 1846, soldiers drank from small ponds in the resaca beds at Palo Alto. Today, the pools provide water to a variety of thirsty animals.

Image Descriptions

Background
Resaca lined with chaparral.

Bottom Left
Tropical waterlily
Roseate spoonbill bird with pink and white feathers.

Center
Resaca bed lined with chaparral.
Great egret

Bottom Right
Texas indigo snake taking a drink.
Eastern cottontail rabbit taking a drink.