The Port Aransas Nature Preserve
The mission of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve is to preserve history, protect habitat, and promote harmony with nature. The Port Aransas Nature Preserve consists of four sites, the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture, Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond, Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, and Wetland Park. Each site is open from sunrise to sunset and is free to visit. Please stay on the designated trails. The following is prohibited by City ordinance within the Port Aransas Nature Preserve: hunting, fishing (allowed only in ship channel), shell or seed collecting, camping, pets, and alcohol.
We offer several free weekly programs. Register at porta.recdesk.com
Nature Preserve Yoga. Tuesdays at 12:30 pm at the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture Pavilion
Birding on the Boardwalk. Wednesdays at 9 am at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Nature Walk. 1st Saturday of the month at the Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture - Community Park Trail. Meet at Community Park, 700 Clark Parkway at 8 a.m.
Nature Walk. 3rd Saturday of the month at the Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture - South. 2650 TX=361 at 8 a.m.
Clay's Hill Bird Walk. Every Tuesday through March at the Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture - North. 1200 Port Street (end of Port Street) at 8 a.m.
The Port Aransas Nature Preserve would like help from you! If you think you'd like to help please contact Rae Mooney at [email protected].
Colleen Simpson
Parks & Recreation Director
Phone: 361-749-4158
Kristina Stevens
Community Program Coordinator
Phone: 361-749-4158
Ken Yarbrough
Recreation Program Coordinator
Phone: 361-749-4158
Matt Calvert
Surf Rescue Manager
Phone: 361-244-6459
Camerson Ainsworth
Head Beach Lifeguard
Phone: 361-749-4815
Derik Boles
Head Beach Lifeguard
Phone: 361-749-4815
Adam Johnson
Pool Manager
Phone: 361-749-2416
Christina Wren
Assistant Pool Manager
Phone: 361-749-2416
David Lown
Supervisor
Phone: 361-749-4158
Rae Mooney
Nature Preserve Manager
Phone: 361-749-0081
Justin Quintanilla
Natural Resource Specialist
Phone: 361-749-0081