Work Begins on Cara Cara Trails

by Tony Vindell/LFN

A trail to connect several cities in Cameron County got off the ground last week and it’s hoped that once it’s completed it will enhance the quality of life for people who live here.

Named Cara Cara Trails, the project is a 428—mile network that will link the natural, cultural and historic aspects of this area and, at the same time, promote a healthier lifestyle.

The trail, named after a bird of prey seen all over the area and more so in the ranchlands, will provide a new alternative for walking, biking and even paddling once it’s completed.

Construction of the trail got off the ground during a ceremony held Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park off FM 1847, or Paredes Line Road.

The first phase of the trail will link the park to the city of Los Fresnos, located about 12 miles north of the park.

The ceremony was attended by dozens of people, many of whom were representing the private and public sectors and the 10 municipalities partnering in the project.

Among them was Los Fresnos City Manager Mark Milum.

He said the trail project has been in the works for several years.

“We now have our own nature park,” he said. “But we always wanted to connect these two communities by a trail.”

He was referring to Los Fresnos and Brownsville, the latter of which has a trail from downtown to the PANHP.

Milum said they have $700,000 in a fund to develop a new trail to link the two communities.

He said $200,000 came from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and $500,000 from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.

Eva Garcia, project manager with Cara Cara Trails, and Liz Thorstensen, with the Rails & Trails Conservancy from Washington, D.C., both said the project is an example of how different sectors get together to create healthy communities.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the participation of the private and public sectors,” Thorstensen said. “The Cara Cara Trails is one of eight such projects.”