South Texas Refuge Complex

Situated along the southernmost stretch of the Rio Grande, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top birding destinations in the world and home to half of all butterfly species found in North America. In the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, situated along the Gulf of Mexico, thorn forest intermingles with freshwater wetlands, coastal prairies, mudflats, and beaches. The largest population of ocelots in the United States call this refuge home, making it a center for conservation and recovery efforts for this endangered cat. And in the nearby Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, four climates converge, producing one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. In addition to providing habitat for an amazing array of species, these refuges enrich their surrounding communities by hosting nature festivals, forming conservation partnerships with local organizations, offering meaningful volunteer opportunities, and providing interactive educational programs for youth.