Free Environmental Education Programs
Outdoor classrooms give students the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while promoting an understanding of wildlife conservation. Classes are offered at the main unit of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, as well as on the Matagorda Island unit. Programs are designed for school groups of all ages, including high school and university students, environmental education organizations and the general public.

Environmental education courses are aligned with the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) for Science. Free of charge, refuge staff and volunteers are available to visit your classroom, organization or community group for a presentation.

Environmental Education Classes Offered at Aransas 
Environmental Education Classes Offered at Matagorda Island unit 

Helpful Information

Reservations should be made at least three weeks in advance.

The refuge offers resources and programs for teachers and students. Educational opportunities focus on wildlife, wildlife habitat management, history and local ecology.

Educational Resources
 

• On-site presentations done free of charge, including refuge orientation and videos.
• Off-site presentations done free of charge for classrooms, organizations or community groups.
• Friends of Aransas and Matagorda Island (FAMI) van tours offered seasonally during the winter months. 
• Print materials and resources available including bird lists and information on mammal, wildflower, reptile, amphibian and general refuge information.
• Wildlife and nature books available in the visitor center book store. 
• Matagorda Island Environmental Education Center offers beach, bay, and marsh ecology classes (8th grade to adult level).
• Classes in biodiversity, bay ecology, beginning birding, track identification, fish and wildlife management, and food chain relationships. 
• Youth Environmental Training Area for use by groups participating in the environmental education program. This includes a rustic camping site.
• Service projects are available upon request.

Contact the refuge for more information and to make your reservations.