At Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, our mission is to protect critically important coastal wetlands so they can continue to benefit people, wildlife, and the economy for generations to come.

Visit Us

Come visit us at the refuge from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

The refuge's Shoveler Pond Auto-Tour loop, Butterfly Garden, moist soil units and Skillern Tract are just a few of the places on the refuge where the wildlife watching is spectacular. Here you will find excellent views of alligators and opportunities to see any of the six rail species. Boardwalks and overlooks provide great vantage points so bring your camera and your binoculars! 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. 

      What We Do

      We actively manage the landscape to remove invasive plants and simulate natural ecosystem events. Through tools such as prescribed fire, cooperative grazing, moist soil management, and carefully managed water hydrology, our team strives to ensure the healthiest and productive habitat for migrating birds. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from our purpose and mission, to the recreational activities we offer, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

      Our Species

      The mottled duck has always been of conservation concern due to its limited range and small population size, as well as its popularity as a game bird. It is considered an indicator species for the health of coastal marshes and wetlands. 

      A black and brown bird with orange beak in bright green marsh grass

      The Yellow Rail is a small, secretive marshbird that runs under vegetation. It has a short yellow or blackish bill, short tail, buffy yellow chest and face, as well as yellowish and black streaks on its back. In addition, it has a dark crown, dark stripe through its eyes, and an indistinct white...

      FWS Focus
      A large reptile basking in the sun on a log over still water surrounded by green vegetation

      The American alligator is a large, semi-aquatic, armored reptile that is related to crocodiles. Their body alone ranges from 6 - 14 feet long. Almost black in color, the it has prominent eyes and nostrils with coarse scales over the entire body. It has a large, long head with visible upper teeth...

      FWS Focus

      Our Library

      Anahuac Trail Map Brohure Mar 2023

      This Anahuac NWR Trail Maps Brochure has a list and description of all of our trails as well as detailed maps of each with amenities and a proximity map for our refuge.

      Anahuac Bird Checklist with TCP 2020

      Bird Checklist for Anahuac Wildlife Refuge

      Anahuac Dragonfly Damselfly Checklist

      Anahuac Wildlife Refuge dragonfly list.

      Anahuac NWR Butterflies Checklist

      Anahuac butterfly checklist

      Projects and Research