Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a protected coastal area in Texas that combines wetlands, oak forests, freshwater ponds, and grasslands into a diverse landscape. The refuge includes Matagorda Island, a barrier island that provides critical habitat for over 400 bird species.

The refuge was established in 1937 to protect migratory waterfowl and has remained a critical stopover for wintering birds ever since. Its creation marked an early milestone in coastal wildlife conservation efforts.

The refuge is deeply connected to whooping crane conservation, with these birds returning here each winter as part of their natural migration. Visitors can witness this remarkable cycle and see how the place supports a species that nearly disappeared.

The refuge is accessible by car along a scenic route and on foot through walking trails of varying length. Plan your visit around bird-watching conditions and bring binoculars if you want to see species clearly from a distance.

The refuge harbors populations of coastal birds that were hunted nearly to extinction in the early 1900s but have made a remarkable comeback. This recovery is considered one of conservation's greatest achievements in North America.

Location: Refugio County

GPS coordinates: 28.22110,-96.87436

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01