EDINBURG — In recognition of Earth Day, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez announced an ecotourism initiative called Explore Hidalgo County.The initiative launches a regional approach to highlighting the area’s natural beauty and encourages both residents of the county as well as out-oftown visitors to take advantage of these jewels.“Within a 40-mile radius, visitors can explore nine world renowned parks and trails alone,” Cortez said in announcing the initiative.The Explore Hidalgo County Nature Trail is the first initiative aimed at instilling pride in all that Hidalgo County has to offer, Cortez said. In the future, Explore Hidalgo County will highlight ...