Matagorda Island NWR is a coastal barrier island situated along the coastal bend of Texas in Calhoun County. The Island is a significant natural area, stretching 38 miles long and varying from .75 to 4.5 miles in width. It was established to support the national migratory bird management program and to conserve endangered species. There is no causeway, highway, bridge, vehicular ferry, public airport, etc, providing access to the Island. Its isolation provides an unparralled opportunity for protection of bountiful natural resources. Its remoteness makes it attractive to visitors, offering a unique experience of the coastal barrier island ecosystem through interpertation, environmental education, and recreational use as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Under a 1994 revised Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Texas, the island was combined under the title Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge and State Natural Area. It is managed as a Refuge unit with an overlay state park on the north end. Our partner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has the lead responsibility for public use management on the Island and USFWS has lead responsibility for wildlife and habitat management.

Matagorda Island (MI) programs and facilities provide a balance of active and passive outdoor interpretive nature study, environmental awarness and appreciation. Texas Parks and Wildlife manages the north end for recreational activities such as fishing, beach access, beach combing, bird watching, hunting and backpacking and facilities such as a kayak trail,Matagorda Island lighthouse, self-guided nature trail, and a viewing deck. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island, call Texas Parks & Wildlife Rockport Regional Office at 361-790-0306 or the Bay City Office at 979- 244-6804 or 979-244-7697. At the south end, the Refuge offers formal environmental education studies and workshops at the Environmental Education (EE) Center, available by reservation only. If you are interested in Environmental Education on Matagorda Island, please review the Environmental Education pages, use the Reservation Request Form and mail (Aransas NWRC, P.O. Box 100, Austwell, TX 77950) or fax (361-286-3722) it to the Education Specialist. For more information regarding group education opportunities at the MI EE Center, call the Refuge at 361-286-3559.