Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve facts for kids

The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a special natural area in Texas, United States. It's a huge place where land, water, and different types of environments meet. This reserve is named after the Mission and Aransas rivers, which flow into the area.

Here, you'll find many kinds of habitats. The land has wide-open coastal prairies and unique oak tree clusters called "oak mottes." There are also wetlands like freshwater marshes and saltwater marshes. In the water, you can see large bays with mudflats, seagrass meadows, mangrove trees, and oyster reefs.

These amazing habitats are home to many animals, including some that are endangered or threatened. One famous resident is the whooping crane, a very tall bird that needs protection.

People have used this area for a long time for things like boating, fishing, hunting, and camping. Even though it's close to the city of Corpus Christi, the reserve remains mostly wild and untouched.

Jace Tunnell is the current director of the reserve. You can learn more about the reserve at www.missionaransas.org.

Exploring the Mission-Aransas Reserve

The Mission-Aransas Reserve is a great place to visit and learn about nature. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute helps manage visitor spots where you can explore and discover.

Visitor Centers and Learning Spots

There are several places designed for you to learn more about this unique environment:

University of Texas Marine Science Institute Visitor Center

Located in Port Aransas, this center has seven aquariums. These tanks show what typical Texas coastal habitats look like. You can take self-guided tours and watch educational movies. There's also a gift shop.

Wetlands Education Center

Also in Port Aransas, this center features a special wetlands area. It's a 3.5-acre pond with seagrass, located between the MSI Visitors Center and the South Jetty. You can walk on a boardwalk around the pond to see the plants and wildlife. Educational signs help you understand what you're seeing.

Bay Education Center

Found in Rockport, Texas, this center has exhibits about the estuary's ecosystem. It also features "Science On a Sphere." This is a cool spherical display system created by NOAA that shows Earth science concepts in an exciting way.

Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK)

The Amos Rehabilitation Keep, or ARK, is in Port Aransas, Texas. Its main goal is to rescue and help sick or injured birds, sea turtles, and land turtles found along the South Texas coast. Once they are healthy, the ARK releases them back into their natural homes.

If you find a coastal animal that needs help, you can contact the ARK at 361-749-6793. The ARK also has a Facebook page: Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at UT Marine Science Institute.

The ARK often holds public events when turtles are ready to be released. These events are free and very popular! Tony Amos founded the ARK, and it's one of the biggest wildlife rehabilitation places in the area. It relies on a small staff and many helpful volunteers.

Images for kids

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  The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas.