National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
Home Page
Parks Starting With:
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
Y |
Z
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
National
Park Photo Gallery
National
Park Event Calendar
National
Park Contact Information
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
509 Washington Street
Anahuac, 77514
National
Park Overview
The chorus of thousands of waterfowl, the splash of an alligator going for a swim, the rustle of wind moving through coastal prairie, the high-pitched call of a fulvous whistling duck are just some of the sound you may hear when visiting Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. This 34,000-acre haven for wildlife is located on the upper Texas gulf coast.
The meandering bayous of Anahuac NWR cut through ancient floodplains creating expanses of coastal marsh and prairie bordering Galveston Bay. Prevailing breezes bring in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in high humidity and an average annual rainfall of over 51 inches. Coastal marshes act as a huge sponge, holding and siphoning water from tropical storm tides and upstream flooding. These marshes, combined with the coastal prairie, provide a home for an abundance of wildlife, from migratory birds to alligators.
Nature of the Area
Anahuac NWR is an important link in the chain of national wildlife refuges extending along the gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana. The goal of refuge management is to provide habitat for native fish and wildlife. Roseate spoonbill, great egrets, snowy egrets, white-faced ibis and
white ibis are just some of the long-legged waterbirds that can be seen on ponds, rice fields and
moist soil units throughout the refuge. Listen and look closely on Yellow Rail Prairie for the secretive yellow rails that winter in the salty prairies.
During spring and fall migrations, warblers and
other songbirds can be seen or heard on walks in small wooded areas throughout Anahuac NWR. The willows - Shoveler Pond, the salt cedar hedgerow north of Teal Slough and
the narrow hackberry woodland along East Bay Bayou offer some of the best birding opportunities in the area.
Fishing and Hunting
FISHING Some of the best wade fishing (for speckled trout, redfish and southern flounder) in Texas can be found on the refuge shorelines along East Galveston Bay. Fishing is allowed in East Galveston Bay, bayous and
other locations designated by refuge signs.
HUNTING Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas on the refuge, including the Pace Tract and parts of the East Unit and Middleton Tract. Hunters must contact refuge headquarters in the fall before waterfowl hunting season to obtain current hunting regulations and permits. Possession of firearms on the refuge is unlawful except in designated areas during hunting season.
History of the Area
|