• Experience Public Bird Banding at the 2026 HummerBird Celebration

    Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary 1401 S Church St, Rockport, TX, United States

    See migration science up close during a free Public Bird Banding event presented by Aransas Pathways as part of the 2026 HummerBird Celebration. Event Details Friday, September 18, 2026 8:00–11:00 AM Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary 1429 S. Church St., Rockport, Texas Free • Open to the Public • Come and Go Visitors can watch trained experts safely examine, measure, band, and release birds while learning how banding contributes to research on bird migration, health, and conservation. The program will feature Dr. Rebekah J. Rylander, Aransas Pathways Committee member, birding educator, and coastal conservation advocate and Dr. Rebecca Bracken is the Conservation Research Director at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO), where she leads avian research and conservation programs along the Texas Gulf Coast. A federally and state permitted bird bander, her work focuses on hummingbirds, migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and other coastal bird species. Bird activity varies with migration and weather conditions. Guests may occasionally be invited to experience a bird up close under a bander’s direct supervision, but this opportunity is not guaranteed. The birds’ safety and welfare will always come first.   Discover Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary This 6.25-acre Aransas Pathways site features oak motte, native grasses, gardens, trails, an observation platform, and valuable habitat for hummingbirds, monarchs, and other wildlife. The sanctuary preserves the legacy of Connie Hagar, celebrated as the “Bird Lady of Texas.” Her pioneering observations helped establish the Texas Coastal Bend as an important birding destination along the Central Flyway. The site is handicapped accessible, and parking is available along East First Street. Guests are encouraged to bring water, insect repellent, sun protection, and comfortable outdoor shoes. Register for this free event through the registration link on this page. View the complete 2026 HummerBird Celebration schedule of activities and speakers. Learn more about Aransas Pathways at www.aransaspathways.com.

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  • A Rockport-Fulton Heritage Stroll

    The History Center for Aransas County 801 E Cedar St, Rockport, TX, United States

    Walk the Path. Discover the Stories. Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Rockport-Fulton, Texas Presented by Rockport Trailways Club (AVA-0966) and Aransas Pathways Discover Rockport-Fulton one step—and one story—at a time during A Rockport-Fulton Heritage Stroll, an officially sanctioned AVA: America’s Walking Club event celebrating recreation, local history, and the distinctive character of our coastal community. Part of Pathways in Motion, this noncompetitive walking experience invites residents and visitors to explore at their own pace while discovering places and stories that have helped shape Rockport-Fulton and Aransas County. It’s not a race. It’s an opportunity to walk, explore, connect, and experience our community from a different perspective. Choose Your Walk Participants may choose between: 5K Route Approximately 3.1 miles 10K Route Approximately 6.2 miles Choose the distance that works best for you and enjoy the route at your own pace. Whether you're an experienced walker or simply looking for a fun way to get outside and discover Rockport-Fulton, the Heritage Stroll is designed around the AVA tradition of fun, fitness, and friendship. Along the Way This is more than a walk. The Heritage Stroll connects recreation with the places, people, and stories that give Rockport-Fulton its identity. As you travel the route, take time to experience the community around you—from historic places and coastal landmarks to the neighborhoods and public spaces that continue to tell the story of Aransas County. Walk the community. Discover its heritage. Become part of its continuing story. Event Schedule Saturday, October 17, 2026 9:00 AM Start table opens Participants may begin their walk during the designated start period and complete their selected route at their own pace. 4:00 PM Event closes Please allow enough time to complete your selected 5K or 10K route before the event closes. What to Bring Participants are encouraged to come prepared for an outdoor walking experience: Comfortable walking shoes Drinking water Sun protection Weather-appropriate clothing Mobile phone Any personal items needed for a comfortable walk Please follow event directions, use designated crossings, remain aware of traffic and your surroundings, and respect private property, historic resources, public spaces, and other trail users. Registration & IVV Credit Participation is free, but registration is encouraged. Walkers who would like AVA/IVV achievement credit may purchase optional IVV credit for $4. You do not have to be an AVA member to participate. What Is AVA? AVA: America’s Walking Club is the United States member organization of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV). AVA promotes noncompetitive physical activity through walking and other recreational experiences that encourage people to explore communities, discover new places, stay active, and build friendships along the way. Its spirit is simple: Fun. Fitness. Friendship. Rockport Trailways Club The Rockport Trailways Club (AVA-0966) brings the AVA experience to Rockport-Fulton and Aransas County. Through traditional and year-round events, the club creates opportunities for residents and visitors to stay active while experiencing the area's natural, historical, cultural, and recreational resources. The Heritage Stroll is part of the club's growing Pathways in Motion program connecting community wellness with meaningful exploration. Pathways in Motion Pathways in Motion brings the Aransas Pathways experience to life through activities that encourage people to move, explore, learn, and connect. From walking historic communities and exploring trails to birding and paddling coastal waterways, each experience offers another way to discover Aransas County. Together, these activities connect the four pillars of Aransas Pathways: Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails. Be Part of the Pathways Story Every community has stories. Some are preserved in historic places. Some live along our waterfronts and streets. Others continue through the people who call Rockport-Fulton home. On October 17, we invite you to experience those stories on foot. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Meet fellow walkers. Discover something you may have passed a hundred times without noticing. Walk the Path. Discover the Stories. Be Part of the Pathways Story. Event at a Glance A Rockport-Fulton Heritage Stroll Saturday, October 17, 2026 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Rockport-Fulton, Texas 5K & 10K Routes Free Participation Optional $4 AVA/IVV Credit Noncompetitive | Walk at Your Own Pace

  • Fulton Harbor Nature & Heritage Walk

    Where Coastal Nature Meets Living History Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Fulton, Texas Presented by Rockport Trailways Club (AVA-0966) and Aransas Pathways Experience Fulton on foot during the Fulton Harbor Nature & Heritage Walk, an officially sanctioned AVA: America’s Walking Club event connecting outdoor recreation with the natural and cultural heritage of this historic Texas Gulf Coast community. Part of Pathways in Motion, this noncompetitive walking experience invites residents and visitors to slow down, explore the harbor, observe the coastal environment, and discover the stories that continue to shape Fulton. It’s more than a walk—it’s an opportunity to experience the connection between people, place, history, and the coast. Choose Your Route Participants may choose between: 5K Route | Approximately 3.1 miles 10K Route | Approximately 6.2 miles Choose the distance that works for you and complete the route at your own pace. This is a recreational, noncompetitive AVA event built around the spirit of fun, fitness, and friendship. Discover Fulton Along the Way Fulton Harbor tells a story shaped by water. As you walk, experience a coastal community where natural habitats, maritime traditions, local history, recreation, and everyday life come together. Take time to enjoy harbor views, watch for coastal birds and wildlife, discover historic places, and appreciate the working waterfront that remains an important part of Fulton's identity. The experience connects two important Aransas Pathways themes: Nature & Birding — Observe the coastal environment and wildlife that make the Rockport-Fulton area a destination for nature enthusiasts. History & Heritage — Discover places and stories reflecting Fulton's maritime heritage and generations of life along the Texas coast. What to Bring Come prepared for an outdoor coastal walk: Comfortable walking shoes Drinking water Sun protection Weather-appropriate clothing Mobile phone Any personal items needed for a comfortable walk Participants should follow designated routes and crossings, remain aware of traffic and waterfront activity, respect private property and historic resources, and help protect wildlife and coastal habitats. Registration & IVV Credit Participation is free, and advance registration is encouraged. Participants who would like AVA/IVV achievement credit may purchase optional IVV credit for $4. You do not have to be an AVA member to participate. What Is AVA?   AVA: America’s Walking Club promotes noncompetitive physical activity and encourages people to experience communities through walking and other recreational activities. AVA events welcome people to move at their own pace while discovering new destinations and connecting with others through: Fun. Fitness. Friendship. Rockport Trailways Club The Rockport Trailways Club (AVA-0966) brings AVA experiences to Rockport-Fulton and Aransas County through traditional events and year-round opportunities. The club encourages residents and visitors to stay active while discovering the area's natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources. Pathways in Motion The Fulton Harbor Nature & Heritage Walk is part of Pathways in Motion, an Aransas Pathways initiative connecting recreation, exploration, wellness, and community. Through walking, paddling, birding, history, and trail experiences, Pathways in Motion provides another way to experience the four pillars of Aransas Pathways: Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails. Be Part of the Pathways Story Walk beside the water. Watch the birds. Discover the harbor. Explore the history. Whether you choose the 5K or 10K route, the Fulton Harbor Nature & Heritage Walk offers an opportunity to experience this coastal community in a more personal way—one step and one story at a time. Walk the Path. Discover the Stories. Be Part of the Pathways Story. Event at a Glance Fulton Harbor Nature & Heritage Walk Sunday, October 18, 2026 Fulton, Texas 5K & 10K Routes Free Participation Optional $4 AVA/IVV Credit Noncompetitive | Walk at Your Own Pace

  • Pumpkin Paddle 2026

    Little Bay, Rockport, Texas 308 N Live Oak, Aranas County Courthouse, Rockport, TX, United States

    Paddle Little Bay. Explore Rockport from the Water. Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 8:00 AM–12:00 Noon Little Bay, Rockport, Texas 1495 E. Laurel St., Rockport, TX — before the Rockport Beach entrance Presented by Rockport Trailways Club (AVA-0966) and Aransas Pathways Experience Rockport from a different perspective during Pumpkin Paddle, a beginner-friendly recreational paddle through the calm, scenic waters of Little Bay. Part of the Pathways in Motion initiative, Pumpkin Paddle brings together outdoor recreation, wellness, nature, and community through an officially sanctioned AVA: America’s Walking Club event. This is not a race. Paddle at your own pace, enjoy the coastal scenery, watch for local wildlife, and spend a morning connecting with the waterways that are an important part of the Rockport-Fulton experience. Choose Your Route Participants may choose between two recreational paddle routes: Short Route 2.66 km / 1.65 miles Long Route 4.35 km / 2.7 miles Both routes are beginner-friendly and designed to be completed comfortably during the event period. Event Schedule 8:00–9:00 AM Participant check-in and registration 9:30 AM Welcome and safety briefing Following Safety Briefing Pumpkin Paddle begins 12:00 Noon Event closes Participants should arrive early enough to unload equipment, prepare their paddle craft, and complete check-in before the safety briefing. What to Bring Pumpkin Paddle is a bring-your-own-paddle-craft event. Participants should come prepared with: Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or other appropriate paddle craft Paddle Properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) Drinking water Sun protection Appropriate clothing and footwear Any additional personal safety equipment needed for paddling All participants must follow event safety instructions and respect local wildlife, shoreline habitats, boat traffic, and other water users. Safety Comes First Before heading onto the water, remember: Paddle Smart. Wear a life jacket. Check conditions. File a float plan. Watch for wildlife and boats. The event is subject to safe weather and water conditions. Routes may be adjusted and the event may be delayed or canceled if conditions are considered unsafe. Registration & IVV Credit Participation in Pumpkin Paddle is free, but registration is encouraged. Participants who would like AVA/IVV achievement credit may purchase optional IVV credit for $4. What Is AVA? AVA: America’s Walking Club is the United States member organization of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV). AVA promotes noncompetitive physical activity and opportunities to explore communities through walking and other approved recreational events. Pumpkin Paddle expands that spirit of fun, fitness, and friendship onto the water. Rockport Trailways Club The Rockport Trailways Club (AVA-0966) connects residents and visitors through recreational experiences that showcase the natural, cultural, and community stories of Rockport-Fulton and Aransas County. Through traditional events and year-round opportunities, the club encourages people of different ages and abilities to get outside, stay active, explore new places, and become part of a welcoming recreation community. Pumpkin Paddle is part of the club’s growing calendar of Pathways in Motion experiences. More Than a Paddle Little Bay is more than a recreational setting. It is part of a living coastal landscape shaped by wildlife, people, history, and water. As you paddle, take time to observe the shoreline and birds around you, appreciate the bay's role in the Rockport-Fulton community, and help protect the places that make our coast special. Explore responsibly. Leave only ripples behind. Be Part of the Pathways Story Pumpkin Paddle celebrates what Aransas Pathways is all about—connecting people with place through: Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails. Come paddle Little Bay, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, experience Rockport from the water, and discover another way to be part of the Pathways story. Saturday, October 24, 2026 8:00 AM–12:00 Noon Little Bay | Rockport, Texas Free participation | Registration encouraged | Optional $4 AVA/IVV credit