![]() This unique and beautiful ecosystem accommodates numerous protected (threatened and endangered) species, such as piping and snowy plovers, reddish egret, brown pelican, peregrine falcon, and white-tail hawk. ![]() The channel that has been dug through this area for the intercoastal waterway is called the Land CutĪlmost 75% of its shoreline is protected by federal land ( Padre Island National Seashore and the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge) and private ranches ( King Ranch and Kenedy Ranch). This mud and sand flat is known as the Saltillo Flats and has divided the Laguna Madre into what is now known as the Upper Laguna Madre and the Lower Laguna Madre. Over many thousands of years, the drifting sand dunes in the center of Padre Island have almost closed the gap between the Island and the mainland. The largest speckled trout caught in Texas waters are usually caught in the Laguna Madre and adjacent Baffin Bay. This unique environment has created one of the best recreational fishing areas in North America for redfish, black drum and speckled trout. The Laguna Madre covers 609 square miles and is fairly shallow with an average depth of about 2½ feet and is usually not deeper than 5 feet. This makes the Laguna Madre a negative estuary, one in which seawater flows in, rather than out. This is beacuse the water evaporates faster than freshwater flows into it. Hypersaline means that the water is saltier than seawater. It is the largest of only six hypersaline coastal lagoons in the world. (Note that driving behind the dunes is STRICTLY prohibited there are delicate ecosystems here.The Laguna Madre is a large shallow body of water separating Padre Island from the South Texas mainland. This is where South Beach begins-from this point, there are 60 miles of open beach waiting to be explored. To get to the part of the park where you can drive on the beach, continue on Park Road 22 (the main paved road) until the pavement ends. If you have a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle, exploring the island’s most remote areas by car is a uniquely thrilling experience. You can take your own kayak or canoe, or rent one from the park’s concessionaire. One of just a few hypersaline lagoons in the world, the Laguna Madre offers great kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Or go beachcombing along the seashore-there are always treasures to be found here. Is there anything better than a leisurely hike or bike ride along the ocean’s edge? Bring your bicycle and ride it along South Beach, where you’ll likely have most of the shores to yourself (depending on how far down you go). Visitors may fish along the entire length of the Gulf, in the Laguna Madre, and at Bird Island Basin and Yarborough Pass. To fish anywhere in the park, you must have a valid Texas fishing license and a saltwater stamp, both of which you can acquire outside of the park at a local tackle shop or gas station. Call the Malaquite Visitor Center (36) to schedule a tour with a volunteer birding guide. ![]() There have been more than 380 species of birds sighted at the park, which represents nearly half of all the documented bird species in North America. Padre Island is an important destination for migratory birds, and as such, it’s an exceptional place for birdwatching. (Because the park can’t predict when a sea turtle will hatch, check their Current Nesting Season page and the Sea Turtle Program Facebook page for up-to-date info on releases.) Most hatchling releases occur from mid-June through August. During the summer, staff members release sea turtle hatchlings from nests laid in the park and along the coast, and visitors can sometimes catch these if the timing is right. Since 1978, the park has been a participant in the effort to save the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Never swim alone and always use extreme caution when swimming currents can be strong. Visitors can swim in the recreation area at Bird Island Basin or in the Gulf, but do note that there are no lifeguards on duty.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |