LCRA awards $25,000 grant for new bird watching stations at two Kenedy parks

 

Kenedy Economic Development Corporation will add the stations to encourage outdoor recreation, nature education and community connections

June 2, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards a $25,000 grant to the Kenedy Economic Development Corporation to construct bird watching stations at Joe Gulley Park and St. Mary’s Park.
  • The stations will provide dedicated spots for residents and visitors to enjoy nature and learn about local bird species.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.

LCRA representatives present a $25,000 grant to the Kenedy Economic Development Corporation for new bird watching stations at two area parks. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Elizabeth Ehlers, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Maggie Gonzales, City of Kenedy city secretary; Adam Hernandez, City Council member, District 4; Trey Hill, EDC board member; Felipe Leal, EDC vice president and City Council member, District 2; Korby Bourne, EDC board member; Benjamin T. Reed, EDC manager; Mark Mayo, Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter and Melissa K. Blanding, LCRA Board members; Alberto Hernandez Baldarramos, mayor; Leslie Wynn, EDC treasurer; Cindy Saenz, EDC secretary and mayor pro tem; Jeffrey Martinez, City Council member, District 3; Melissa Gonzalez, city manager; Crystal Bourne, Parks and Recreation Board secretary/treasurer; Saundra Schultz, City Council member, District 5; and Dr. Wade Phelps, DDS and local naturalist.

KENEDY, Texas – The Kenedy Economic Development Corporation soon will construct bird watching stations at Joe Gulley Park and at St. Mary’s Park, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $25,000 in matching funds from the economic development corporation, will provide new outdoor amenities designed to encourage recreation, nature education and community connections. The Joe Gulley Park station will be located near Escondido Creek Parkway and the St. Mary’s Park station will be added along the park’s new trail.

“This project grew out of the work of local volunteers who have spent years paying attention to the natural resources we have right here in Kenedy,” said Benjamin T. Reed, EDC manager for Kenedy Economic Development Corporation. “Dr. Wade Phelps has helped lead that effort, identifying more than 150 bird species in Joe Gulley Park and the Escondido Creek Parkway area and encouraging more people to recognize the birding opportunities in our parks. These stations will encourage residents of all ages to look for and appreciate the wildlife around them.”

Kenedy is known as the Horned Lizard Capital of Texas and also is recognized by birders for sightings of the green jay and other rare species. The new stations will build on existing park and trail amenities, including birdhouses, feeders and a growing trail system connected to the San Antonio River Authority’s Escondido Creek Parkway.

“This project adds another public amenity to our growing trail system, enhancing local quality of life and offering visitors interested in birding another reason to stop in Kenedy and explore our parks,” Reed said. “With the support of our City Council, EDC board and local volunteers, we are continuing to embrace the Kenedy United mindset by thinking creatively and finding new ways to strengthen our community.”

The bird watching stations will be open to the public during regular park hours, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Reed said the EDC hopes the stations also spur future nature-based programming.

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
[email protected]
After hours: 512-944-6719

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.