To serve as a:

> Resource center for individuals and organizations wishing to reduce water bills while landscaping wisely for this arid region.

> Field lab research facility for graduate and undergraduate environmental science programs in the State University system.

> Training center for local public school science teachers in the ecology of the Rio Grande Watershed.

> Nature Encounter and Discovery center for children from ages 3 to 14 and their parents, as well as other interested individuals.

> Research Facility for public high school biology and environmental science classes.

> Center for community environmental and conservation based programs: Summer ecology camp, Plants of Southwest Texas, Outdoors Women, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts merit badges, River Ecology, etc.

> Tourist attraction for national and international eco-tourists interested in bird watching and this unique bioshpere of the Rio Grande.

> Nature hiking trails highlighting local flora and fauna.

> Conservation center designed to preserve endangered species and their habitat.

> Resource for the preservation of the Rio Grande in the light of its status as a "National Heritage River."