Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center

Away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area on the campus of Laredo Community College, this oasis offers a learning experience about plants and animals found in the Rio Grande Watershed. Four outdoor ponds feature a breeding pair of American alligators in one area, large gar, catfish and bass in another, one with five species of turtles, and another featuring a wetland area where young alligators are placed. The planted area includes more than 50 types of native vegetation numbered for easy identification. A cactus garden, wildflower hill, and two areas of South Texas brush plants can also be examined. Indoors, species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and rodents are displayed in aquaria and terraria.