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Places of Interest Animal Attractions Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
Places of Interest Animal Attractions Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
Tuesday, 25 August 2009 01:18 | 
( 0 Votes )
Tucked away in outskirts of Los Fresnos lies 88,388 acres of wildlife refuge heaven. Established in 1946, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge preserves and enhances the habitat for endangered and threatened species. It is the largest protected habitat remaining in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Laguna Atascosa NWR offers something for everyone. Below are a list of things to do.
Wildlife Watching Overview
Take the trails to look for Texas tortoises, green jays, chachalacas, armadillos, deer and javelinas. If you get lucky, you just might see an Ocelot. You will also see plenty of birds, roadrunners and the American alligator.
Visitor Center and Trails
Visit the visitor center to get any questions answered and to also see a short video about the refuge. The visitor center is the only location that houses restrooms, so take advantage of it while there. Browse the nature store for field guides, or to purchase insect repellent. Also, purchase your entry permit here.
From here you will find the Kiskadee Trail (1/8 mile loop) and Mesquite Trail (1.5 miles loop). Wander through butterfly and bird gardens, water features and seasonal pools, and stop in the photo blind for close-up views of birds. Rest on benches or in the shaded pavilion. Have lunch in the picnic area.
Tour Roads and Trails
Take the Bayside Drive (15-mile loop). Stop at the numerous pullouts to watch and photograph wildlife. Stop at Plover Point observation deck for views of the mudflats and the Laguna Madre.
Bayside Trails
For the eager Hikers/Bikers, take the Moranco Blanco Trail (3 miles). This is the perfect way to get some exercise while enjoying a beautiful scenery. Head across the prairie, up onto a long ridge and past a brushy area, where a refuge "guzzler" provides fresh water for wildlife.
The Paisano Trail is a good option in inclement weather. It is a paved road that stretches for a mile. The Lakeside Drive is another option. It goes for 1.5 miles each way.
Lakeside Trails
Here is where you will find Alligator Pond (1/2 mile). The paved, accessible trail near Osprey Overlook leads to a viewing platform overlooking a pond that in most years may host one or two alligators, and in wet years, up to two dozen. Yikes!
Lakeside Trail (1.5 miles) is another option that offer excellent birding. Wildflowers are plentiful in March and April.
Overall, Laguna Atascosa has a lot to offer. A tank of gas, an ice chest of water and sodas, a packed lunch, and this place makes for a wonderful family bonding experience.
| Places of Interest - Animal Attractions |
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 22817 Ocelot Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566
Phone Number: (956) 748-3607 • (956) 748-3609 (fax)
Operation Hours: The Laguna Atascosa unit is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset; the visitor center is open 8am to 4 pm daily, except on major holidays. Call in advance of your visit to confirm operating hours, which are subject to change.
Admission: Obtain at visitor center: $3 per car or $1 per person for large groups. Fee waived for those with valid federal interagency passes, Federal Duck Stamp, or annual refuge pass.
Website: http://southwest.fws.gov
Tucked away in outskirts of Los Fresnos lies 88,388 acres of wildlife refuge heaven. Established in 1946, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge preserves and enhances the habitat for endangered and threatened species. It is the largest protected habitat remaining in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Laguna Atascosa NWR offers something for everyone. Below are a list of things to do.
Wildlife Watching Overview
Take the trails to look for Texas tortoises, green jays, chachalacas, armadillos, deer and javelinas. If you get lucky, you just might see an Ocelot. You will also see plenty of birds, roadrunners and the American alligator.
Visitor Center and Trails
Visit the visitor center to get any questions answered and to also see a short video about the refuge. The visitor center is the only location that houses restrooms, so take advantage of it while there. Browse the nature store for field guides, or to purchase insect repellent. Also, purchase your entry permit here.
From here you will find the Kiskadee Trail (1/8 mile loop) and Mesquite Trail (1.5 miles loop). Wander through butterfly and bird gardens, water features and seasonal pools, and stop in the photo blind for close-up views of birds. Rest on benches or in the shaded pavilion. Have lunch in the picnic area.
Tour Roads and Trails
Take the Bayside Drive (15-mile loop). Stop at the numerous pullouts to watch and photograph wildlife. Stop at Plover Point observation deck for views of the mudflats and the Laguna Madre.
Bayside Trails
For the eager Hikers/Bikers, take the Moranco Blanco Trail (3 miles). This is the perfect way to get some exercise while enjoying a beautiful scenery. Head across the prairie, up onto a long ridge and past a brushy area, where a refuge "guzzler" provides fresh water for wildlife.
The Paisano Trail is a good option in inclement weather. It is a paved road that stretches for a mile. The Lakeside Drive is another option. It goes for 1.5 miles each way.
Lakeside Trails
Here is where you will find Alligator Pond (1/2 mile). The paved, accessible trail near Osprey Overlook leads to a viewing platform overlooking a pond that in most years may host one or two alligators, and in wet years, up to two dozen. Yikes!
Lakeside Trail (1.5 miles) is another option that offer excellent birding. Wildflowers are plentiful in March and April.
Overall, Laguna Atascosa has a lot to offer. A tank of gas, an ice chest of water and sodas, a packed lunch, and this place makes for a wonderful family bonding experience.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 22 September 2009 00:13)
