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When
You Visit the Refuge |
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•
Fuel is not available at the Refuge. Tivoli (14 miles) is the
nearest town for fuel.
• There is no public camping on the Refuge. The nearest
camping is at Hopper’s Landing (361-286-3331) located 3 mi. out the gate.
There are two RV parks in Austwell (361-286-0232, 361-286-3523). |
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Goose
Island State Park (361-729-2858) is about 30 miles away in Rockport. |
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- Alligators and
poisonous snakes are present; always watch your step.
- Dress
appropriately. Bring a hat, water, snack, sunscreen, insect
repellent, bird book, flower book, binoculars, camera, etc.
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- Bicycling
is a popular activity. The Refuge is characterized by its rather level topography,
which makes its 16-mile paved tour road attractive to the cyclist. In addition,
touring the Refuge by bicycle is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience
the natural environment. Be sure to stay on the pavement (bicycles are not
permitted on the walking trails, boardwalk or Tower ramps), watch for vehicles,
obey state traffic regulations and carry water. Distances: roundtrip from
the Visitor Center to the Picnic Area = 2.1 miles, with good views of Heron
Flats and San Antonio Bay; roundtrip from the Picnic Area to the Observation
Tower = 7.2 miles, good for viewing deer and javelina ( add 1 mile for a
side trip to Dagger Pt.); from Observation Tower, on the way Tour Loop and
back to the Observation Tower = 11.95 miles; from the Picnic Area to the
Observation Tower, around the one-way loop and back to the Picnic Area =
13.45 miles; Grand Tour from Visitor Center, around the loop and back to
the Visitor Center = 15.55 miles. These rides offer good viewing of a variety
of habitats, deer, feral hogs, javelina, wading birds, possibly bobcat &
racoon; There are bike racks located at the Heron Flats Trailhead and Observation
Tower.
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- If you forget food
and water, Friends of Aransas & Matagorda Island NWR does operate a
nature store in the Visitor Center where you will find water, drinks,
chips, candy, and nuts along with bird books, disposable cameras,
and T-shirts for your convenience.
- If you forget binoculars,
ask for binoculars-on-loan at the Visitor Center front
desk. Eagle Optics
has generously donated binoculars for visitors to use. You must leave your
drivers license and return the binoculars by 4:30 p.m.
- Cell phones
usually don't work at the Refuge.
- If you have a serious
health- related emergency, always call 911 first, then
notify the Visitor Center front desk. We do have a first aid kit, wheelchair,
stretcher, and AED unit.
- If you have a vehicle
emergency, notify the Visitor Center front desk so we can call
a wrecker if necessary. If it’s something minor, we may be able to
help, i.e. jumper cables, etc.
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