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Welcome to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge!

Park History

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1937, is a federally protected area on the Texas Gulf Coast, primarily focused on conserving migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (.gov). It encompasses over 115,000 acres of diverse habitat, including the mainland and Matagorda Island. The refuge plays a crucial role in the Central Flyway, providing wintering grounds for various species like whooping cranes, wild turkeys, and Canadian geese, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

History:

1937:
The refuge was formally established, initially focused on migratory waterfowl.

1941:
The refuge became a critical wintering ground for the world's last 16 whooping cranes, which prompted efforts to improve and expand crane habitat and research, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (.gov).

Current Role:
Aransas NWR is a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, dedicated to conserving fish, wildlife, and plants, with a particular focus on endangered species.

Key Habitats:
The refuge features diverse habitats, including marshes, coastal prairie, and oak motts, which support a wide range of wildlife.

Management Practices:
Prescribed burns have been a key management tool since the 1980s to maintain critical habitats, especially for whooping cranes and Aplomado falcons. -- Source Google



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