Early Bird U-Drive Tour – Aransas Bird Days 2026
In partnership with Aransas First Land Trust Start your morning with the birds. Join us for a self-guided birding experience at Cove Harbor, hosted in partnership with Aransas First Land Trust and Ms. Debbie Griffith. Drive at your own pace and explore coastal birding hotspots while enjoying the quiet beauty of the Texas coast. Date: April 19, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Location: 2590 HWY 35 S, Rockport, TX 78382 First 30 guests to check in will receive a giveaway from Aransas Pathways and partners. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aransas-bird-days-2026-early-bird-u-drive-tour-tickets-1985941731178 Waiver required (must be completed before arrival): https://aransaspathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WaiverReleasePathways-with-emergency-contact.pdf All participants must complete the waiver prior to joining the tour. Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails.
Pathways Family Birding Event & Craft Time
Where: Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary 1429 S Church St, Rockport, TX Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NMHh4NTvG6qXqLk8 What: Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun and educational day celebrating birds and nature at the beautiful Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary. This family-friendly event features a mini bird walk, an introduction to birding for all ages, hands-on nature crafts for youth, and opportunities to learn more about local birds and their habitats. Bring: sun protection, bug spray, hydration Accessibility: This event takes place on an uneven surface. Accessible parking nearby.
Aransas Pathways Guided Nature & Historical Tour of Aransas County
Registration Required – limited seating available Eventsbrite Tour Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984933762316 Departure location: Aransas County Courthouse Parking Area 301 N Live Oak St, Rockport, TX 78382. The van departs promptly at 8:30am. Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDJUjWkcaAcvehX78 What : A guided nature and history van tour of Aransas County. Discover the beauty, wildlife, and rich coastal heritage of Aransas County on this guided Nature & Historical Tour. Lunch is not provided. Bring : snacks and your sense of adventure!
Aransas Bird Days 2026: Pathways Bird banding at Linda Castro Nature Sanctuary
Live Bird Banding Experience: Science in Action Where: Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary, 4041 Hwy 35 N Bypass, Rockport, TX 78382 Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/aar9sa58FBQrR8JZ8 What: Get an up-close look at the fascinating world of bird science during a live bird banding demonstration led by three experienced researchers working along the Texas Gulf Coast: Rebekah Rylander, Kelly Bryan, and guest bird bander Rebecca Bracken of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. Learn why and how this research is used. No registration required. Bring: a chair , hydration, bug spray, and sun protection Accessibility: This program is located on a flat surface with accessible parking on-site.
Join a Global Birding Moment — Right from Aransas County
A self-paced community science birding event inviting participants to observe and share bird sightings from anywhere in Aransas County, February 13–16, 2026.
🎄 Christmas on the Beach & Volunteer Thank You Day
📅 December 27, 2025 (Saturday)⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM📍 Rockport Beach, Texas Join us for a magical evening at Rockport Beach as Aransas Pathways celebrates the heart of our mission — our volunteers, partners, and community stewards who keep the spirit of Birding, History, Kayaking, and Trails alive all year long. This festive gathering is our way of saying thank you for helping Aransas County shine as a premier ecotourism and heritage destination in the Coastal Bend. What to Expect ✨ Cozy beachfront Christmas atmosphere✨ AP volunteer recognition moments✨ Meet the Aransas Pathways team & site stewards✨ Sign-up opportunities for 2026 volunteer programs✨ Light snacks & good community vibes✨ Perfect sunset photo moments along the shore Why This Event Matters Aransas Pathways is built on people — volunteers, partners, and local champions who share their time and heart to sustain our trails, birding sites, kayak launches, and history spaces. This special evening honors YOU — the hands, hearts, and stories behind our shared success. Volunteer Sign-Up & 2026 Opportunities Looking to get involved next year?Stop by our Volunteer Table to explore upcoming opportunities in: Events & outreach Birding programs & citizen science Trail stewardship Kayaking activities Historical and cultural programming 👉 Sign up here:www.AransasPathways.com/volunteer/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=events&utm_campaign=COTB2025
December in Aransas County — Where Community Shines Brightest
December in Aransas County is more than a calendar full of events — it’s a living reminder of our resilience, togetherness, and small-town charm. From shoreline lights to historic streets, every corner of Rockport–Fulton shines with community spirit all month long. December has arrived, and with it comes a season of celebrations across Rockport–Fulton and Aransas County. Our partners have lined up a full month of events that reflect who we are as a community — resilient, welcoming, and grounded in the spirit of togetherness. From Tropical Christmas and Christmas on the Beach, to historic home tours, art walks, concerts, markets, and holiday nights in the District — every corner of our county is alive with small-town charm and big-hearted energy. It’s a reminder that after everything this community has weathered, especially since Hurricane Harvey, Aransas County continues to rise with strength, creativity, and purpose. These festivities are more than events — they are proof of our shared resilience, our deep community roots, and the warmth that draws visitors, Winter Texans, and sojourners back year after year. As Aransas Pathways, we are grateful to stand alongside our partners in celebrating what makes this county extraordinary. And through our own Christmas on the Beach Volunteer Appreciation Night we want to kick off the month by inviting everyone to explore, support, and participate in the many holiday events happening throughout December. Every gathering, every stroll, every shared moment helps strengthen our community spirit — and that is the heart of our advocacy. Become Part of the Pathways Story If you believe in what we do, and if you want to be part of the small-but-mighty movement that keeps our trails, kayak sites, birding spots, and heritage venues thriving, we invite you to join us as a volunteer. Be part of the Pathways story. Become a Steward or Ambassador this season. Sign Up as a Volunteer: https://aransaspathways.com/volunteer-december Aransas Pathways Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails.One County, Countless Adventures. Photo Courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber & Rockport Cultural Arts District
Howard Murph Memorial Park
4701 Loop 1781, Rockport, TX 78382 28°05’44.0″N 97°03’05.2″W (see map) Species – Greater Roadrunner, American Oystercatcher, Spotted Sandpipers, Caspian, Royal, and Forster’s Terns, assorted Sparrows in winter, Osprey, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Reddish Egret Left in its natural state the shoreline of the park is covered with oyster shell fragments and the shallow water has sandy and seagrass beds great for fishing and wading into the shallow water. The spot also makes for a great kayak launch site. The Park also has BBQ pits and covered seating for you to enjoy. Alligator Warning – We will warn you though that there have been spotting of coastal alligators in the area. Please keep an eye out if you decide to walk out. Howard Murph Memorial Park Site is also known as the Airport Park. Directions: FM 1781, directly behind the Aransas County Airport. This is a small park with access to Copano Bay. There are picnic facilities at this site. Howard Murph Park is an excellent location for enjoying sunsets, birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and unwinding in a peaceful environment with picnic tables and benches.
Celebrate the birds of the Rockport area!
Aransas Pathways Birding Field Trip – March Schedule Meet at the parking lot behind the “Rockport Beach” sign, just before entering Rockport Beach Park, 210 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382 Celebrate the birds of the Rockport area! Join volunteer (and retired park ranger and bird guide) Bob Showler to look for birds at Aransas Pathways sites and other points of interest. Be prepared to drive your own car up to 20 miles round-trip and bring water, sun & insect protection, and binoculars (if you have them; loaner binoculars also available). We may be walking up to 1/4 mile at certain stops. Access to most sites is free, but there is a $10 fee to enter Rockport Beach Park (free to annual passholders; visit Rockport Beach (rockportbeach-texas.com) for more information on purchasing an annual pass). Printable flyer for Pathways Birding Field Trip Flyer – Bob Showler
Adventure of learning and sightseeing aboard The Skimmer.
Join us as we take you back in time to the abundant history in the settlement of Copano Bay aboard the Skimmer captained by Tommy Moore & Historical guide Pam Stranahan. This is an adventure of learning and sightseeing you will not want to miss! This will be a 3 hour trip aboard the flagship Skimmer. Tour time 9am – 12pm. There will be light finger foods and drinks provided. Please keep in mind this is an outdoor event and nature governs the trip. If forced to postpone, March 31 is the alternate date. Tickets are available via www.theachistorycenter.com/events-1 or at the History Center, 801 E. Cedar St. Sailing: March 29, 9:00 AM at Fulton Harbor on the Skimmer Tix $50 available via FHC only. Printable Flyer for sharing about this adventure of learning and sightseeing aboard The Skimmer.