After a period of hibernation, Laredo College’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Center (LBVEC) reopened its doors to the community on May 4, welcoming new visitors and unveiling new additions to its roster of regional wildlife that are sure to delight guests of all ages.
The grand reopening invited the community to rediscover the wonder of the region’s native species and ushered in a new era for the LBVEC. The center’s operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for visitors ages 3 and up and free for those with a valid LC ID.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome our community back to the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Center. This reopening represents more than a renovation, it reflects our commitment to education, conservation and creating meaningful experiences for our students and families,” LC President Dr. Minita Ramírez said. “Thanks to the support of our Board of Trustees and a $5 million investment, the center has been transformed into a vibrant, hands-on learning environment. We invite everyone, especially our local schools, to come explore, learn and reconnect with nature.”
According to LBVEC Director Bianca Brewster, the renovation period allowed the center to expand its facilities with several major additions, including a new wildlife care center, a walk-in aviary and a deer processing station. During this time, the center also welcomed new ambassador animals and developed new ways to help the community better understand native flora and fauna.
From improved enclosures for every animal to the new walk-in aviary experience and an updated reptile room, the LBVEC’s ambassador animals remain at the heart of the newly enhanced center. These ambassador animals are kept for educational purposes, and the facility serves as a trove of information for those interested in learning about their behaviors, biology and habitats.
As most of the animals housed at the center were injured or orphaned, Brewster said the aim has always been to go above and beyond in enriching the lives of both the animals and visitors.
“The ultimate goal is to educate the community,” Brewster said. “You want to make sure that everyone in our community can appreciate what is native to our region and understand the importance of protecting wildlife here and everywhere else.”
The walk-in aviary offers visitors a unique opportunity to take a peaceful stroll alongside the center’s peacock and admire its lustrous feathers in an environment designed for it to roam freely. This addition complements the center’s beloved Alligator Alley, as well as the reptile room and newly improved enclosures. For local animal lovers, there is no better place to study and connect with feathery, furry or scaly critters.
Whether it’s through a school field trip or a visit with family, children may find a spark of passion for wildlife that could one day lead to a lifelong career.
Brewster said the center is ready to welcome school tours, where children will have a chance to see LC staff working closely with the animals and ask questions about what they see. During these tours, students can expect a fun, informative and interactive experience with select ambassador animals that may inspire future career paths in wildlife of environmental studies.
Volunteer opportunities are also available for those interested in gaining hands-on experience in wildlife care, particularly in animal nutrition. Brewster noted that the knowledge handed down to volunteers provides valuable insight into proper enrichment and nutrition, helping ensure every animal lives a long and healthy life.
Beyond visiting and learning, the LBVEC’s new processing station will be a powerful resource for local hunters and fishermen. This station will promote respect for wildlife and helps ensure nothing goes to waste, honoring the natural circle of life.
For more information regarding the LBVEC, contact the LBVEC at LBVEC@laredo.edu or call (956) 764-5701.