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There’s far more to the Texas Gulf Coast than sleepy resort towns, sandy beaches, and beautiful barrier islands that stretch along the shoreline. The region’s diverse coastal ecosystems are another major draw, especially if you enjoy seeing wild animals\u00a0up close in their natural environments. You can find a ton of cool flora and fauna on display at the\u00a0Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge<\/a>, which sweeps along the coast between Houston and Corpus Christi\u00a0for nearly 45,000 acres.<\/p>\n True to its name, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is home to countless critters.\u00a0A variety of animals, including native resident species and a revolving door of migratory visitors, are drawn to the lush mix of habitats that blanket the landscapes of the\u00a0peaceful nature preserve, from grassy prairies and saltwater marshes to scenic lakes and ponds, among other types of terrain.\u00a0The refuge is open from sunup to sundown year-round and is completely free to enter at the time of writing.\u00a0<\/p>\n One of the main access points is the Big Slough Recreation Area off County Road 227. This road will also take you straight to the visitor center \u2014 officially known as the Discovery Center \u2014 where you can pick up some helpful pamphlets and maps. The facility is run by volunteers, so hours do vary. It’s\u00a0usually only open Fridays to Sundays from November 1 through April 30. If you happen to visit when it’s shuttered, you can also find helpful brochures in the Information Pavilion. It’s right\u00a0next door to the restrooms\u00a0and has a few picnic tables if you want to hunker down with a packed lunch.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n See the birds and beasts of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge<\/p>\n Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is situated\u00a0just outside of Lake Jackson, Texas’ “City of Enchantment,”<\/a>\u00a0which is fitting, considering the preserve’s green grasslands and blue wetlands appear just as enchanting, serving as an absolute wonderland for birds. According to eBird<\/a>, more than 300 species of birds have been spotted in the refuge \u2014 far more than some of the best birdwatching in America<\/a>. You can do a bit of birding along the tranquil boardwalk that sets out from the Discovery Center in the\u00a0Big Slough Recreation Area, stretching out across the rippling waters\u00a0to the wilderness beyond.<\/p>\n Take a stroll along the\u00a0Big Slough Trail<\/a>, which covers just over a mile. The scenic path\u00a0circles back to the main boardwalk and features several observation platforms along the way, so you can get a better view of the surrounding\u00a0Upper Texas Coast landscapes. Whooping cranes, yellow rails, reddish egrets, wood storks, and swallow-tailed kites have all been spotted in Brazoria, so have your binoculars handy and your cameras ready.<\/p>\n Of course, a plethora of larger species have also been known to roam the lands, including\u00a0coyotes, bobcats, wild boars, and alligators. Needless to say, although dogs are allowed in the preserve \u2014 so long as they’re on a leash \u2014 you definitely want to keep a close eye on them and your surroundings. Also, don’t forget the bug spray.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n You can take in the sights from your car or kayak, too<\/p>\n If you’re not up for exploring\u00a0the preserve on foot, you can also see the Gulf Coast scenery from the comfort of your car via the Big Slough Auto Tour<\/a>. Beginning at the Discovery Center, buckle up and head out on the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge’s\u00a0Entrance Road. The dirt and paved route covers about 6.5 miles of ground and\u00a0takes you by\u00a0the watery wetlands, marshes, and expansive prairie fields, with opportunities to pull over and enjoy the view. Just be sure to keep your speed down as you go and watch out for any wildlife crossing the road.<\/p>\n Kayaking and canoeing are also popular ways to experience the refuge. There’s\u00a0a little side road\u00a0catty-corner from the Discovery Center that will take you down to Salt Lake, where you’ll find a ramp to set in. You can also do some paddling at\u00a0the Cannan Bend Recreation Area, situated on the southern end of the preserve near Oyster Creek. The nearly 200-acre\u00a0day-use spot is one of the newer sections of the refuge, having opened in October 2021.\u00a0The recreation area features a lovely 30-acre freshwater lake\u00a0that reaches depths of up to 50 feet. And just an FYI,\u00a0Texas has some of the most snake-packed lakes<\/a>, coupled with all the gators.\u00a0So no matter which body of water you choose, it’s best to stay safely secured in your watercraft and not hop in for a dip.<\/p>\n
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