Urgent Message Regarding the Proposed Border Wall That will affect both Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park.
In September 2025, the US government allocated funding for a border wall that will cut through the Big Bend National Park, including iconic sites like Santa Elena Canyon. Big Bend Ranch State Park is also included in their plans. The details of a barrier have just recently come to light. https://www.chron.com/life/wildlife/article/border-wall-big-bend-national-park-21362974.php
The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute’s (CDRI’s) position is defined below:
- We fully support the Chihuahuan Desert Region and oppose anything that disrespects, much less destroys the biome (flora & fauna) and the region – both of which are fragile and already under assault by mankind; and
- We fully support lawful and constitutional immigration practices and policy reform, using thoughtful, humane, lawful, and constitutional cost-effective policies.
There are many reasons to oppose this wall, but one that will hurt the tourist trade in the region is the impact on those who currently operate a thriving tourist outfitter or river-rafting business in the Big Bend Region, as well as those who provide food and lodging for visitors. As stated previously, the proposed wall will go through Santa Elena Canyon.
We urge you to sign the petition (in the link below). Please share this information with your friends. Please contact your elected officials. And please help preserve the raw, natural beauty of the Big Bend Region. https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-construction-of-the-wall-in-big-bend-ranch-state-park
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* Cactus Sale Announcement * Please join us at the 2026 Cactus & Succulent Sale, starting on March 16. The sale will continue until all plants are sold. A complete list of available plants will be uploaded to this site soon. If you have any questions, please contact us at 432-364-2499 or email [email protected]. We're looking forward to seeing you at the sale! Thank you! |
News Updates
We’ve uploaded our Botanical Gardens to the Hortis database. Click here for more information.
CDRI was honored to be selected as one of four gardens worldwide for Hortis’ newly released interview titled “Hortis Community 2025, A Year in Bloom.”
CDRI was honored to be selected as one of four gardens worldwide for Hortis’ newly released interview titled “Hortis Community 2025, A Year in Bloom.”
Discover the Coolest Hiking Trails in Texas!
Hiking at 5,100 ft. Elevation!
Hiking at 5,100 ft. Elevation!
The botanical Gardens & Cactus Museum Collection Await
Come Ready for Fun
as You Discover the Chihuahuan Desert!
as You Discover the Chihuahuan Desert!
We're located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains at an elevation of 5,100 ft. The following items are recommended to ensure a safe and fun adventure for you and your family.
* A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and close-toed shoes with a patterned tread for traction;
* Plenty of water;
* Hiking poles or a walking stick.
* Plenty of water;
* Hiking poles or a walking stick.
Be sure to check in at the Powell Visitor Center upon your arrival. We'll supply you with maps and trail guide booklets for the hiking trails. We'll also provide a map of the Botanical Gardens and information about the many features within its 18-acre fenced area, including the Pollinator Garden, Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum, and the Native Grasses Exhibit.
After hiking, enjoy shopping at our thoughtfully appointed Gift Shop, visit the Mining Exhibit, and stop by the Bird Blind.
After hiking, enjoy shopping at our thoughtfully appointed Gift Shop, visit the Mining Exhibit, and stop by the Bird Blind.
The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is to promote public awareness,
appreciation and concern for nature generally and the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region specifically, through education, the visitor experience, and through the support of research.
appreciation and concern for nature generally and the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region specifically, through education, the visitor experience, and through the support of research.
Take an aerial tour of our site!
