Aransas Pathways

Pathways Pumpkin Paddle
2025-10-25 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | TX
Pumpkin Paddle Event Update
Due to the forecast of showers and possible storms on Saturday morning, the Pumpkin Paddle has been cancelled for everyone’s safety.
We truly appreciate everyone who registered and volunteered — your enthusiasm keeps our community spirit afloat!
All participants will automatically receive updates for our next kayaking adventure, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, explore the many beautiful Aransas Pathways sites around our county and enjoy nature at its finest — rain or shine, there’s always a Pathway waiting for you.
Stay safe and dry, everyone, and we’ll see you soon for more outdoor adventures!

Weather Cancellation Notice

Discover the Story Behind Every Band
2025-10-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Linda S Castro Sanctuary, 4041 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
Join Aransas Pathways for Chirp & Chat: Bands of Discovery, a free, family-friendly bird banding event in Rockport, Texas. This special morning blends science, nature, and community in an inspiring outdoor setting.
See Dr. Rebekah Rylander and Master Bird Bander Kelly Bryan in action as they show how bird banding helps track migration and protect bird species along the Texas Gulf Coast. You’ll learn how each small band supports research and helps conserve the birds we all enjoy.
Ask questions, meet other nature lovers, and discover how science and stewardship come together in our local environment.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera or binoculars, water, and a curious heart for discovery.
To learn more or register, visit www.aransaspathways.org.Be part of this meaningful community event—because every band tells a story, and yours begins here.

Up Close with Hummingbirds: Banding Demonstration
2025-09-27 08:00 - 10:00 | TX
Up Close with Hummingbirds:
Banding Demonstration

Sept. 27th 8-10 AM
Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary – 4041 Hwy 35 N, Rockport
Refreshments provided

Have you ever wanted to see one of the world’s smallest birds close up? Well now is your chance! Join Dr. Rebekah Rylander for a hummingbird banding demonstration where she will ethically catch, tag, and release hummingbirds for research and educational purposes. Information collected from hummingbird banding is important for understanding migration movements, hummingbird health, and conservation planning. Activities will be conducted under appropriate federal and state permits by trained professionals.

Rebekah Rylander grew up in central Texas and earned her bachelor’s degree at UT Austin. While attending the university, she took her first ornithology course which inspired her to assist in various bird-related field projects across the globe, including Australia, Ecuador, Hawaii, and Canada. Eventually, Rebekah settled into Texas State University where she earned her Master’s degree and PhD examining social behaviors and population dynamics of the Black-crested Titmouse in San Marcos, Texas. After receiving her doctorate, Rebekah was hired as the Science Coordinator for the Rio Grande Joint Venture, where she has been involved designing and implementing monitoring programs in south and west Texas, assisting with grassland-focused workshops in Mexico, and continuing to build collaborative relationships with other bird-habitat conservation partners within the RGJV geography. Rebekah has assisted and led Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) birding expeditions in southeast Arizona, established the Christmas Bird Count circle in San Marcos, and has given dozens of presentations on her research and other bird-related topics. Rebekah is also a master bander and holds educational bird banding demonstrations for naturalist groups and at school functions.

Click here to register for the event, registration will close when we reach 25 applicants.

Pathways Poker Tour 2025
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:30 | Aransas Pathways Center Pavilion, 2491 Highway 35 N, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
PATHWAYS POKER TOUR 2025
September 20, 2025
Pathways Center – Pavilion and Bridge (Tule W)
Check-in and Presentation 10:15-10:30
Tour 10:30-1:30
*Registration required by Sept. 15
Register here: https://aransaspathways.com/poker-tour-2025
Please print and sign waiver or you can fill one out at the event: https://aransaspathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WaiverReleasePathways-with-emergency-contact.pdf
Join some HummerBird Celebration fun! Enter the Pathways Poker Tour and take a self-guided tour to five of Aransas pathways sites and watch beautiful hummingbird displays while you collect playing cards. Build your best poker hand to compete for prizes. Kids can join in the fun too with their own special adventure! Our youth division inspires the next generation of birders by collecting educational bird cards packed with cool facts about amazing bird species. Young explorers get entered in drawings for prizes. Whether you’re young or young at heart, everyone has a chance to win the ultimate grand prize – a pair of binoculars perfect for your birding adventures!
Check-in starts at 10:15 at:
Pathways Center – Pavilion and Bridge (Tule West)
2491 Hwy 35 N, Rockport
The instructions and scorecard will be given at check-in, which is where you will receive the first playing card. Then you will be given the locations of other sites.
The last site will be the History Center for Aransas County for the prize ceremony.
Refreshments will be available.
For more information, call 361-556-5308

Healthy Hummers
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Wings Rescue Center, 324 W 3rd St, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
HEALTHY HUMMERS
Protecting Our Hummingbirds: A Community Education Event
Registration required at wingsrescue.com
Date: August 23, 2025 10 AM
Location: Wings Rescue center – 324 W 3rd St Rockport, TX
Discover how to support the tiny jewels of our skies at this engaging presentation hosted by Aransas Pathways and Wings Rescue Center. Dr. Rebekah Rylander will share expert insights on creating safe environments for both resident and migrating hummingbird populations, offering practical tips to help these remarkable birds thrive in our community. Wings Rescue Center’s Kay Adams will introduce attendees to the organization’s mission and present their inspiring Ambassador birds, providing a firsthand look at wildlife rehabilitation and education efforts. This informative session combines scientific knowledge with hands-on conservation action, perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in making a positive impact on local wildlife.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
For more info call:
Aransas Pathways 361-556-5308
aransaspathways.com

Pop Up Exhibit "Surviving the Surge: The Hurricanes that Shaped Aransas County"
2025-08-03 14:00 - 16:00 | The History Center for Aransas County, 801 E Cedar St, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
Unlock the history of the hurricanes that have shaped Rockport’s story. From the 1800s to Hurricane Harvey, this special pop-up exhibit within ‘Rockport Strong’ takes you
through the winds, waves, and resilience of our coastal community. Join us for the grand opening with a presentation by Joe Fox.

Kayaks at Sunset
2025-06-21 18:00 - 20:30 | TX
Last day to register is June 16th, 2025!
Registration for this event has closed. Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Kayaks at Sunset 6-8:30 PM
Howard Murph Memorial Park – 4701 FM 1781 Rockport, TX 78382 (Loop 1781, behind Aransas County Airport)
*KAYAK PARTICIPANTS – Kayakers will meet at 5:45 at the Copano Boat Ramp (South end of the Causeway
on Hwy 35 N, Rockport) for event briefing and check in.
*Aransas Pathways does not provide kayaks for the event, if you do not have one for the event we do have local or nearby kayak rental companies that we can recommend that do deliver and pickup that you can contact. Here are a few that are aware of the event.
Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures
877-892-4737
Coastal Bend Kayak
361-557-7003
Texas Coast Kayaking
361-724-1332
1. Kayakers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
2. All kayak participants must wear a USCG-Approved PFD or life jacket and carry a whistle.
3. The kayak portion of the event is for experienced kayakers.
Embark on a scenic 3.5-mile kayak adventure through Copano Bay, where you’ll discover diverse
birdlife and breathtaking coastal landscapes as you paddle along this pristine waterway.
Your journey concludes at Howard Murph Park, where the fun continues on land with:
Delicious food by Stevie Lew’s BBQ
Craft Sodas donated by Bay Area Brewing Co.
Live music by Melissa Ann and George Bennett
Kayak Safety presentation by TPWD
Want to learn how to safely kayak? Learn basic kayak instruction and safety at the event as well. You’ll be able
to take these lessons to your next kayaking adventure! Instruction provided by TPWD Staff or Volunteers.
Seining activity conducted by Texas Master Naturalists, Mid-Coast Chapter volunteers.
Observe Texas Master Naturalists demonstrate seining techniques to capture and identify native aquatic
species.
“The Story of Copano Bay: Insights with Speaker Pam Stranahan”
End your perfect evening with a spectacular Rockport-Fulton sunset.
What to bring:
Water
Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses
Bug Spray
Water shoes/boots
Clothes you do not mind getting wet
Seating is limited at Howard Murph but lawn chairs are welcome.

History Center Grand Opening: Artifacts: The Key to History
2025-04-12 10:00 - 16:00 | The History Center for Aransas County, 801 E Cedar St, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
Join us for the grand opening of our special Artifact Exhibit, where history comes to life in Aransas County! Explore a unique collection of artifacts that tell the stories of our heritage, chronologically from Native Americans to local historical treasures. The Grand Opening will be presented with a talk from Debbie Griffith, “Shell Middens”.

Bird Day With Pathways
2025-04-12 07:00 - 14:00 | Linda S Castro Sanctuary, 4041 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
Join us for a delightful exploration of the avian world with Aransas Pathways! Enjoy a day filled with fun and learning about our feathered friends, offering activities for all ages, along with food and beverages provided.

Click here for a printable copy of the schedule

Schedule of Events
Bird Banding DemonstrationsJoin Dr Rebekah Rylander (Science Coordinator for the Rio Grande Joint Venture under American Bird Conservancy) and Dr Rebecca Bracken (Conservation Research Director at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) for a bird banding demonstration, which collects data on migration, survival, and longevity by safely marking and releasing birds. Banding stations also educate the community on the importance of this research and how individuals can aid in avian conservation.
Learn more about Dr Rylander and Dr Bracken by clicking here
*Registration required
https://aransaspathways.com/bird-banding-april-2025/
1st demonstration 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM2nd demonstration 9:30 AM -11:30 AM
Location: Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary – Pavilion

Birding ToursJoin Ranger Sara Rock (The Interpretive Ranger at Goose Island State Park) for an enjoyable birding adventure as we discover the avian wonders of Rockport-Fulton, searching for spring migratory birds while appreciating the breathtaking trails of Aransas Pathways.
Click here to learn more about Ranger Sara

*Registration required – for more information and registration:https://aransaspathways.com/birding-tour-april-2025/
1st Tour 7:00 AM – 9:00 AMStarts at Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary
2nd Tour 9:30 AM -11:30 AMStarts at Tule W – Pathways Pavilion

Coffee, water & Doughnuts will be provided in the AM
11:30 AM Panjos pizza will be provided at Linda S. Castro

10 AM – 1 PM KIDS ACTIVITIES & EDUCATION TABLESCovered area and seating availableLinda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary – 4140 HWY 35 N, Rockport

Binocular Basics For Kids – Cheryl JohnsonFun craft where kids will make their own practice binoculars along with a lesson to teach them how to become binocular pros.
Let’s Paint a Birdhouse – Terry & Katy Darby, ACRTABring home a beautifully decorated birdhouse, complete with your own personal touch using paint and stickers.
Linda Castro Nature Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt – Cynthia Baker and Melissa Guthrie, Texas Master NaturalistExperience some nature-inspired excitement by participating in a scavenger hunt where you’ll search for the items listed on your card.
Bird Walk – Jim & Rebecca Farnsworth, Aransas PathwaysHave fun walking the circle of birds and discover fascinating facts for a chance to win a prize.
Raquel’s Face Painting – Raquel NicolousHave fun choosing a design inspired by birds or nature to have painted on your skin.
Adapt-a-Bills – Ranger Skye EvansBirds are uniquely equipped for different ecosystems and food sources. In Adapt-a-Bills, learn about how different birds’ beaks can be used as tools for survival!
Cupcakes & Feathers – Rich and Tizz Connell, Aransas PathwaysCreate a cupcake masterpiece as you explore the vibrant world of colorful birds!
What’s Your Wingspan? Kay Adams & Linda Shirey, Wings Rescue CenterExplore how your wingspan measures up against that of various birds

12:00 Presentation Do you eat like a bird?Linda S. Castro 4140 Hwy 35 N, RockportExperience the beautiful Linda S. Castro site as Greg Simmons and Sally Scroggs guide you through the diverse flora and highlight the significance of native plants for our insects and birds, along with their vital roles in our ecosystem.

1 PM – 2 PM The Japanese Practice of Forest Bathing499 Ivy Lane, Rockport
D’Ann Wiilliams will conduct a meditative and relaxing hike as we commune with the natural world at Ivy Lane Birding and Nature Site.

***Optional items recommended for some events:
Insect repellentLong sleeves, pants and comfortable walking shoes*Binoculars and or camera (loaner binoculars will be available o a first come first basis)Hydration

For inquiries, please call Aransas Pathways 361-556-5308.
