Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge For the official source of information go to: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas/
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Tomorrow’s a fee‑free day at the refuge — so grab your sunhat, your sense of adventure, and maybe a friend who needs som...
06/13/2026

Tomorrow’s a fee‑free day at the refuge — so grab your sunhat, your sense of adventure, and maybe a friend who needs some fresh air! Come wander, wonder, and wildlife‑watch your way through a whole day of outdoor fun… all for free! 🌞

📸: White-tailed deer looking out at San Antonio Bay by Sue Croyle.

06/08/2026

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Imagine your early mornings at work looking like this… 🌅Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is offering a visitor services ...
06/07/2026

Imagine your early mornings at work looking like this… 🌅

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is offering a visitor services internship, where your days begin with breathtaking sunrises and meaningful conservation work. This 18‑week position is a chance to build hands‑on experience in public engagement, interpretation, and supporting refuge operations—all while living and learning in a truly special coastal ecosystem.

If you love wildlife, enjoy connecting with people, and want to grow your skills in the field, this could be a perfect fit for you!

👉 Ready to take the next step? Apply now: https://secure8.entertimeonline.com/ta/conservationlegacy.careers?ShowJob=721983744.

Your future in conservation starts here! 🌞🌱🌊

📸: Early morning sunrise at Aransas NWR by Bob Tenbusch.

Every wetland shimmer, every stretch of prairie, and every wing overhead reminds us that the refuge is part of a larger,...
06/05/2026

Every wetland shimmer, every stretch of prairie, and every wing overhead reminds us that the refuge is part of a larger, breathing system. On , we honor the delicate relationships that sustain life and the quiet resilience of the ecosystems we protect. 💚

📸: Purple gallinule walking in the marsh by Melissa Zieschang.

Stretching across wind‑swept grasslands, the Tatton Unit reminds us why prairies are among the most vital and imperiled ...
06/01/2026

Stretching across wind‑swept grasslands, the Tatton Unit reminds us why prairies are among the most vital and imperiled landscapes in North America. 🌾

Donated in the late 1960s specifically to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, this unit remains a stronghold for species that depend on healthy prairie ecosystems—including those once tied to the historic range of the Attwater’s prairie‑chicken.

Prairies like those at Tatton naturally support rich plant and animal diversity, store carbon, filter water, and provide space for migratory birds to rest and refuel. On National Prairie Day, we celebrate these resilient landscapes and honor the refuge’s ongoing work to conserve them for future generations.



📸: Tatton unit by Mike Croyle.

05/29/2026

We want to hear from you! Tell us why access to natural places matters to you. Your response may be featured in a new exhibit!

What better way to celebrate Whooping Crane Day than by welcoming a brand-new whooping crane family to the refuge—this t...
05/28/2026

What better way to celebrate Whooping Crane Day than by welcoming a brand-new whooping crane family to the refuge—this time in sculpture form! Huge thanks to Friends of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for making this dream a reality and sculptor Joe Powers for bringing these elegant birds to life.

Stop by and meet our newest ‘residents’—no binoculars required, and they promise to stay perfectly still for photos!



📸: Whooping crane family sculpture unveiling photos by Allison Griffin/USFWS & Viv Atkinson/USFWS.

Memorial Day is almost here!🌞While the Visitor Center will be closed, the refuge is wide open for your adventures!Planni...
05/24/2026

Memorial Day is almost here!🌞

While the Visitor Center will be closed, the refuge is wide open for your adventures!

Planning to stop by? Just swing by the self‑service kiosk right outside the Visitor Center to register and pay your entrance fee. After that, the trails, wildlife, and wide-open coastal views are all yours to explore.

Come enjoy some fresh air, quiet moments, and maybe even a few wildlife surprises along the way! 🌿✨

📸: Fishing pier at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge by Mike Croyle.

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢Today we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most familiar freshwater turtles you might spot a...
05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢

Today we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most familiar freshwater turtles you might spot around the refuge—the red‑eared slider.

These turtles play an important role in keeping wetlands healthy. As both plant‑eaters and scavengers, they help cycle nutrients, clean up leftover organic material, and support the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Their presence tells us that the ponds, marshes, and slow‑moving waterways they rely on are functioning as they should.

Red‑eared sliders get their name from the bright red mark behind each eye, and you can often see them basking together on logs, warming up before slipping back beneath the surface.

If you’re visiting the refuge, keep an eye on sunny logs and quiet ponds—you just might spot a red‑eared slider enjoying the wetlands they help keep healthy!



📸: Red-eared slider by USFWS.

Address

1 Wildlife Circle
Austwell, TX
77950

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