Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is one of the few contiguous tracts of undeveloped land in the Texas coastal plain preserved for environmental, ecological, and historical purposes. It has been designated as a WHSRN site of Regional Importance. This protected nature preserve covers just over 1,217 acres (493 hectares) and is located in the city of Port Aransas, along the Gulf Coast of the United States in Nueces County (Texas).
The site consists of small ponds, extensive tidal flats, marsh, and estuarine habitats, bordered by an upland tract that supports native grasses and brush species. The preserve’s eastern edge contains a large wetland with the deepest water in the preserve. The wetland’s gentle slope creates habitat diverse enough to support everything from pelicans to Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii).
Surrounded by residential communities, baseball fields, a small airport, a water treatment facility, and a shipping channel, Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture offers a protected oasis for wildlife and a safe haven for 37 shorebird species. It is used during southbound and northbound migration, though the highest abundance and diversity are generally reported during wintering for feeding and resting. The site also provides important breeding habitat for five species, including the Wilson’s Plover (Anarhynchus wilsonia) and Snowy Plover (A. nivosus).
Left: Wilson’s Plover. Right: Dunlin. Photos: Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP).
Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is of significant importance to four shorebird species, including the Wilson’s Plover, Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), Snowy Plover and Dunlin (Calidris alpina). Obtained data from ISS surveys, eBird lists and regular shorebird surveys carried out by the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program resulted in population numbers surpassing the 1% threshold level. Of these species, the Dunlin (ssp. hudsonia) is the most abundant species with roosting flocks that surpass 6,000 individuals.
Besides its importance to shorebirds, it should be noted that Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is an important wintering site for the Whooping Cranes (Grus americana), which is a globally Endangered species.
The Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is committed to mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving its habitats from climate hazards. Through restoration and management efforts, the site has successfully restored key infrastructure following the impact of Hurricane Harvey, ensuring the protection of shorebirds and local biodiversity. These actions reinforce the reserve’s ongoing commitment to conserve and restore this valuable coastal ecosystem.
Shorebird monitoring at the new WHSRN Site . Photo: Rae Mooney
The inclusion of the Port Aransas Nature Reserve at Charlie’s Pasture as the 125th site in the Western Hemisphere Reserve Network is very significant. This site provides vital habitat for shorebirds and other at-risk species. Each new site strengthens our mission to protect critical ecosystems for shorebirds across the Americas.
Please join us in welcoming Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture as the 125th site in the Network!
Cover Photo: Piping Plovers at new WHSRN Site Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. Photo: Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP)
