 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||
Recreation
Stop in at the visitor center first for a good overview of the refuge. A 5-mile auto tour and two hiking trails offer pathways into the prairie and wetlands. If you have binoculars and a camera, this is the place for both. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for wildlife viewing and photography of the prairie at its most picturesque. This is the time to capture the delicate pattern of dew-drenched spider webs or a spectacular prairie sunset.
Visitor Center
Sharpen your birdwatching skills
by taking a look at over 100 taxidermy bird mounts at the visitor center.
Pick up a wildflower identification guide and watch a video about the endangered
Attwater’s prairie-chicken. For a short course on the tallgrass prairie,
study the native plant display of grasses and wild-flowers surrounding the
flag pole.
Groups interested in special programs are encouraged to call ahead to make
sure staff is available. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact
the refuge manager for information on special accommodations.
Visitor Center Hours
The visitor center is open Monday
through Friday during business hours.
Special Events
Annual Attwater's Prairie-Chicken
Festival--every second weekend in April (except when it falls on Easter
weekend, then it will be the weekend prior.) Contact the refuge for more
information.
Take a Wildlife Drive
A 5-mile auto tour loop crosses
both prairie and wetlands. Waterfowl watching can be outstanding from the
tour loop in fall and winter. Watch for a possible wood stork standing sentinel
in shallow ponds, summer through fall.
All motor vehicles must stay on the designated auto tour route. The road is
unimproved and adverse weather may force the refuge staff to close the road
at certain times. Remember, the road is only open from sunrise to sunset.
Exploring on Foot
Two hiking trails—the Pipit Trail (1.5 miles) and the Sycamore Trail (2 miles)—traverse the prairie, pot-holes, and riparian areas. The auto tour loop can also serve as a hiking trail. There’s nothing like walking to truly feel the prairie grandeur, complemented by lush wetlands. However, watch for venomous snakes, mosquitoes, alligators, and fire ants as you trek around.
Wildflower Watch
Each spring and fall, the prairie transforms into a bouquet of wildflowers. Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets are the first to bloom. Soon, they’re joined by a colorful montage of blossoms swarming with butterflies and bees. Bring a wildflower and butterfly field guide and you’ll be making long lists of species.
The variety is best from March to early summer, but some wildflowers bloom until the first frost. Leave wildflowers on the stem; picking them takes away from other people’s enjoyment and lessens the chances of flowers reproducing.
