The FIRST “Weekend-Biennial”: Rio Grande Valley

[IPS President]

I am super excited to announce a new travel concept from the International Palm Society.  Introducing the “Weekend Biennial”! And our first will be in the Rio Grande Valley this December:

Friday night December 12 - Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025

We’re equally thrilled to partner with the Palm Society of South Texas and their indefatigable president @Chuck M PSST

This will be an unequaled opportunity to mingle with fellow Palm-talkers, view palms in habitat, visit private gardens, enjoy lectures by noted botanical experts,  and we are particularly proud of the included meals featuring local specialties.

Of course there is much more to follow and I am looking forward to sharing it all with everyone here on Palm talk.

The event will be restricted to one gregarious bus load of palm nuts, about 56 total.

The registration will open on Palm talk, likely in early June.

 Andy🌴

 

[Darold Petty]

If the listing is on Palmtalk will registration be restricted to IPS members ?

[IPS President]

Yes @Darold Petty

The trip will be for IPS members only. Registration will open on Palm talk and later be released to the entire worldwide Membership. Remember there are only 56 seats on the bus so it may sell out. I hope you’re going to join us @Darold Petty!!

[Cindy Adair]

I have seen the itinerary and am very enthusiastic about this trip!

I will absolutely attend and very much want to match more Palm Talk names to faces.
 

Never before has an IPS trip been opened first to those on PalmTalk. 

I believe the price will be a happy surprise too. 

Please save the dates and follow this topic as Andy posts the details over time. 
 

With the space limited to 56, I expect this trip to fill very quickly. 
 

Don’t miss out…

[Kim]

Interesting! What city? What is the nearest airport with scheduled service? 

[IPS President]

Thank you @Kim

We will be based on South Padre Island with an opening banquet on Friday, December 12. Touring will be all day Saturday and Sunday in the Brownsville area. The nearest airports are Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport and Valley International Airport in Harlingen. 

[Cindy Adair]

I just looked at flight costs for those dates from Puerto Rico, LA, Miami, Hawaii and a few others.  
 

As hoped, way below usual fares to our international biennials. 
 

Going will be my Christmas present to myself. 

[Elvis Cruz]

Sounds like a fun weekend!   

Looking forward to trying some Texas-style chili.

[Chuck M PSST]

Andy, great ice breaker for the Weekend Biennial.  For those of you who do not know me I am the Prez of the PSST here in South Texas and are co-hosting the IPS/PSST meetings.  We have several venues that are representative of our unique area: Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Gladys Porter Zoo, and of course South Padre Island.  We have planned several speakers, tours and local cuisine, Texas BBQ, Seafood, and authentic Mexican food.  Andy requested the real deal, and we will make it happen.  I know a lot of you are somewhat local on PT and we would love to meet you at the event and maybe join our organizations PSST and IPS.  

Check out the link below.  If it doesn't play for you automatically you may have to download it to your computer.  It's a little over two minutes and hi-res so give it time to load.  A little teaser of our area and one of our partnerships.  Hopefully I copied it correctly and you can open it.  I took this drone video of the Sabal Palm Sanctuary last February.  Notice the buzzards and black vultures using the S. mexicanas as roosting habitats.    

If anyone has any questions, contact me or Andy directly.  My number is 850.322.4907 or you can email us with the PSST at palmsocietyofsouthtexas@gmail.com. 

SabalPalmPreserve02062024.MOV

[IPS President]

Thank you @Chuck M PSST

Great video!

I am looking forward to the South Texas hospitality and especially the barbecue! I hope this turns out to be a Palm talkers reunion-so all of us forum friends can actually meet together in-person. 
 

This is no longer just a rumor, I’m very happy to announce that the Board of Directors from the IPS have unanimously voted to proceed. Let’s start by revealing our tentative itinerary and costs.

 

 

International Palm Society “Weekend Biennial” in the Rio Grande Valley 

Friday night December 12 through Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025

 

Registration opens on Palm talk in May/June

 

Price per person $224 plus a $100 donation to the International Palm Society. Total= $324

 

Itinerary 

Arrival on Friday, December 12: 

Hotel: Margaritaville, South Padre Island

Happy Hour/hors d’oeuvres (5pm) 

Opening Banquet (6pm)

Presentation by Jason Dewees (introduced by Dr. Scott Zona), with a book signing to follow. 

 

Saturday, December 13: 

Breakfast at the hotel

Bus to the SPI Birding Center (8am)

   -90 min. expert led tour

Bus to the zoo (10am)

  - So. BBQ, lectures, tours

Bus to two private gardens (3pm)

  -happy hour*

Return to hotel (6pm)

Dinner on your own 

 

Sunday, December 14: 

Breakfast at the hotel 

Bus to private garden (9am)

Bus to Sabal Sanctuary  (11am)

  - lectures, tours, homemade lunch 

Leave  to Hotel (3pm)

 

* happy hour (beer, wine, bourbon. scotch, soft drinks and snacks) generously provided by Dr. Romeo Montalvo

Included: 

The opening celebration which will begin at 5 PM Friday night with a happy hour (cash bar) and hors d’oeuvres (generously provided by the Palm Society of South Texas), on the veranda, overlooking the Gulf. This will be followed at 6 PM with a Texas style local seafood buffet. Dr. Scott Zona will introduce author Jason Dewees who will speak on landscaping with palms. A book signing will follow. 

 

Saturday at the Zoo (over 20 palm species in cultivation) featuring South Texas barbecue by the award-winning RJs. This will include melt in your mouth brisket, ribs, chicken and plenty of sides.  

 

Sunday at the Palm Sanctuary an authentic, “made from scratch”, Mexican meal enjoyed amongst the endemic palms of the Rio Grande Valley. 

 

All park and garden admissions (including expert lead tours and talks)

 

An academic botanist

 

Bus transportation, Saturday and Sunday 

 

 

Not included: 

Airport transfers 

Dinner Saturday night 

 

 

Please note: registrants make their own hotel reservation via a link to be provided. We have negotiated a room rate beginning at $120 per night double occupancy at The Hotel Margaritaville South Padre Island. Breakfast is included. 

 

Itinerary and price subject to change. 

 

All registrations are nonrefundable. Hotel reservations may be refundable according to their cancellation policy.

 

The International Palm Society operates as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult with a tax expert. 

 

Please bring your books to be signed after the presentation at the opening banquet on Friday night!

 

 

[DoomsDave]

On 3/3/2025 at 6:15 PM, IPS President said:

Thank you @Kim

We will be based on South Padre Island with an opening banquet on Friday, December 12. Touring will be all day Saturday and Sunday in the Brownsville area. The nearest airports are Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport and Valley International Airport in Harlingen. 

Is it Corpus Christi or another city?

EDIT : it’s near Port Isabel, 100+ miles south of Corpus.

Sounds like a blast!

[IPS President]

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST ON PALM TALK

I’m thrilled to report that the inaugural Weekend Biennial, Rio Grande Valley, will open for registration tomorrow via a link sent by email. Please be on the lookout. It’s advisable to register early, as this trip may sell out swiftly. It’s going to be a roaring good time, with great food, fellowship and plenty of palms. I believe this will be a great opportunity for palm-talkers get to know one another, in person. 

See you in Texas!

andy
 

 

[Elvis Cruz]

I'm only going if there's plenty of good Tex Mex.

Are 5 gallon hats, leather boots and spurs required for participation?

[Cindy Adair]

You are cordially invited 

The International Palm Society and the Palm Society of South Texas are hosting a Rio Grande Valley Weekend Biennial, December 12 – 14^th, 2025.   

We will be celebrating the surprisingly mild climate and unique flora and fauna of South Texas—featuring exclusive tours of private and public gardens, expert speakers, and a visit to the last vestige of native Sabal palm forest with local naturalists. 

[Cindy Adair]

Rio Grande Valley Weekend Biennial - All Inclusive Ticket

Hosted by the International Palm Society & the Palm Society of South Texas

Dates: December 12-14, 2025

Join the Palm Society of South Texas and the International Palm Society for a special weekend celebrating the unique flora and fauna of South Texas—featuring exclusive tours of private and public gardens, engaging expert speakers, and a visit to the last vestige of native Sabal palm forest.

 

Sabal Palm Sanctuary

[Cindy Adair]

South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

This event is intended for IPS members who are coming from out of town and provides transportation and access to all activities throughout the weekend.  You must have an IPS paid membership to register for this event.
 

[Cindy Adair]

 

There are a la carte options as well. Below is an overview for those interested in not missing out on anything!

IPS Member All Inclusive Package: $325.00/person

Available to all paid IPS membership levels:

• Special discounted room rate with breakfast for attendees at Hotel Margaritaville (hotel room not included in price).
• Ground transportation from Hotel Margaritaville to all events
• Seafood Buffet Opening Banquet & Presentation by Jason Dewees, author of DESIGNING WITH PALMS.  Special introduction by Dr. Scott Zona, botanist and author of  A GARDENER'S GUIDE TO BOTANY: THE BIOLOGY BEHIND THE PLANTS YOU LOVE, HOW THEY GROW, AND WHAT THEY NEED.  A book signing by both authors will follow the presentation.
• South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary guided tour 
• Joint PSST and IPS Meeting at the Gladys Porter Zoo. The meeting will feature a special video presentation by Outdoor Reporter Richard Moore who has spent a lifetime documenting the natural wonders found around South Texas and Northern Mexico.  PSST members will guide a tour of the zoo, highlighting the society’s unique palm plantings integrated throughout the animal habitats and landscaped grounds.  An award winning South Texas BBQ lunch will be provided.
• Private tour of two neighboring gardens and Happy Hour courtesy of Dr. Romeo Montalvo
• Sabal Palm Sanctuary expert-guided tour and time to explore the Sabal palm forest, bird blinds, and historical buildings.   We will learn about the history of the Rio Grande River and 1892 Rabb Plantation House in a presentation by Larry Lof, CEO of the Gorgas Science Foundation and professor emeritus at the University of Texas-Brownsville.  Larry is a local historian, historical restoration specialist, and PSST member.   An authentic, made from scratch, Mexican lunch is included.
• $100.00 Donation to IPS to help fund its conservation and research grants, Palms journal publication, and Palm Talk online community forum.

Notes:

• Hotel accommodation not included.  Attendees must make their own reservations.  
• Airfare not included

https://members.palms.org/events

The IPS has never done anything like this so your eager participation will inspire future well priced shorter events already under consideration. 

[IPS President]

Registration is now open as of today! 16 spaces have already been sold with 38 remaining (total 54 or one busload). I genuinely hope to see many Palm-talkers at this event. It sure to be a very memorable way for all of us to celebrate palms together in person.

 

Andy 

[Chuck M PSST]

Hello Palm Talkers,

This is Chuck Malloy, President of the Palm Society of South Texas.  I am looking forward to the upcoming Rio Grande Valley Weekend Biennial and meeting many of you there!

I wanted to take a moment to provide some clarifying information:

• The two local airports are Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, TX and Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), in Brownsville, TX.  Harlingen has more airline options, but Brownsville is closer to South Padre Island.  Flight prices may differ for each airport so you may wish to shop around. 
• We are currently working on getting the hotel reservations link re-activated.  As soon as it’s available, we will post the information on Palm Talk.  Please don’t call the hotel directly as the link will be the best way to ensure you receive all the benefits and applicable information.

Our local PSST membership is so excited to host this event and welcome our parent, the IPS, back for the first time in at least 35 years to the state of Texas.  We would love to see any of the Palm Talkers, especially those close to this region.  We welcome any new prospective members to join our organization and help us to continue to do scientific research, conservation, education, and charitable work in our community.  Events will be held at our partnership venues, the Gladys Porter Zoo and the Sabal Palm Sanctuary.  The presentations will amaze you, and the food will be absolutely tantalizing to the palate!

Chuck Malloy, Prez

SAVE OUR PALMS!🌴

 

[IPS President]

Over the weekend 21 reservations were made leaving only 33 spots available. We are all very excited about the enthusiastic response. If you’re considering attending, please reserve your place now. Thank you so much, Andy

[Cindy Adair]

Please see more comments using the link above.

[MaryLock]

The Rio Grande Valley breaks all my stereo types of Texas climate.  I was surprised to learn the variety of palms that can be grown in the Brownsville area and I am looking forward to the private garden tours.  I'm coming from Hawaii and it will be my first time visiting Texas.  I'm super excited because I'm a birder too and had heard a lot about the great birding in the area, especially during the winter, so December is a great time to go.

 

There are three opportunities to participate, but you must register online by clicking on one of the links below:

 RIO GRANDE VALLEY WEEKEND BIENNIAL

All Inclusive Ticket

December 12-14, 2025

IPS paid members coming from out of town can enjoy the entire weekend.  Special discounted rates at Hotel Margaritaville and transportation to all events.  

Click Here to see all the events and register.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY WEEKEND BIENNIAL

A La Carte Menu Ticket

December 12-14, 2025

PSST members that have a paid IPS membership can join the biennial for all events on one or more days by purchasing an A La Carte Menu Ticket.

Click Here to see all the events and register for one or more days. 

FREE PSST AND IPS JOINT MEETING at the GLADYS PORTER ZOO

December 13, 2025 at 10:00 am

Attend just the joint meeting at the Gladys Porter Zoo.  The meeting is FREE with an option to purchase a BBQ lunch by award winning RJ’s BBQ.  Perfect for locals and open to all IPS membership levels.

Click Here to learn more and register for the Joint Meeting Only

 

[MaryLock]

On 3/25/2025 at 4:24 PM, Chuck M PSST said:

Andy, great ice breaker for the Weekend Biennial.  For those of you who do not know me I am the Prez of the PSST here in South Texas and are co-hosting the IPS/PSST meetings.  We have several venues that are representative of our unique area: Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Gladys Porter Zoo, and of course South Padre Island.  We have planned several speakers, tours and local cuisine, Texas BBQ, Seafood, and authentic Mexican food.  Andy requested the real deal, and we will make it happen.  I know a lot of you are somewhat local on PT and we would love to meet you at the event and maybe join our organizations PSST and IPS.  

Check out the link below.  If it doesn't play for you automatically you may have to download it to your computer.  It's a little over two minutes and hi-res so give it time to load.  A little teaser of our area and one of our partnerships.  Hopefully I copied it correctly and you can open it.  I took this drone video of the Sabal Palm Sanctuary last February.  Notice the buzzards and black vultures using the S. mexicanas as roosting habitats.    

If anyone has any questions, contact me or Andy directly.  My number is 850.322.4907 or you can email us with the PSST at palmsocietyofsouthtexas@gmail.com. 

SabalPalmPreserve02062024.MOV

This is a wild video!  Can you imagine what the Sabal forest must have looked like?  I just looked it up and it used to cover 40,000 acres and now it's just about 200 acres.  I don't know anything about this habitat and I'm really glad we will be getting to hear professor emeritus Larry Lof talk about the palms and the history of the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, plus getting to walk the trails with naturalists and PSST member guides.  This is why I signed up for the trip!