The education program at the Mission-Aransas Reserve fosters coastal and estuarine education among a variety of audiences via formal, informal, and non-formal approaches.

The goals of the Mission-Aransas Reserve include:

• Improve understanding of Texas coastal zone ecosystems structure and function
• Increase understanding of coastal ecosystems by diverse audiences
• Promote public appreciation and support for stewardship of coastal resources

The Reserve education program accesses reserve scientists and the scientific data collected through the reserve’s monitoring program and develops effective programs and products that bring this information to K-12 educators/students and the general public.

Reserve education programs include a K-12 programs, teacher trainings, Road Scholar programs, and outreach for the general public in the Wetlands Education Center, Visitor Center, and Auditorium.

The Wetlands Education Center is a 3.6 acre salt marsh on-site at the reserve. The Marsh has two separate tidal access points and is vegetated with high & low salt marsh plants and submerged seagrasses. Free guided walking tours are available to the public, as well as boardwalks, an amphitheater, educational signage and floating educational program platforms.