Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge Overview

Directions: From intersection of State Highway 35 and FM 523 in Angleton, take FM 523 for 4 miles to Highway 2004 intersection. Continue on 523 for 5.5 miles to County Road 227. Turn left and proceed 1.7 miles to refuge gate.

Primary Wildlife: The Refuge was established in 1966, to provide quality habitat for migratory waterfowl and other bird life. A nesting area for mottled ducks, the refuge also supports many marsh and waterfowl, from roseate spoonbills and great blue herons to rails and sandhill cranes.

Habitat: The refuge consists of 40,000 acres of a mixture of saline and non-saline prairies, salt and mud flats, fresh and salt marshes, numerous potholes, several saltwater lakes, and one freshwater stream.

Recreation and Education: The Refuge holds "Open Houses" twice a month. The first weekend of the month is hosted by the Brazosport Birders, and the third weekend is hosted by the friends of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can drive auto tour route and walk birdwatching trails to observe wildlife in a coastal environment. Fishing permitted. An accessible fishing pier is provided. Waterfowl hunting permitted in season.

Special Note: Refuge is within the Freeport Christmas Bird Count circle, which usually achieves the highest number of species seen in a 24-hour period in the nation.