The AOC Attwater Prairie-Chicken National Wildlife Refuge field trip will be conducted on Wednesday, March 15.

We will meet at the refuge headquarters at 1206 APC NWR Rd, in Eagle Lake, TX 77434 at 6:45 a.m. for an opportunity to bird a minimally accessible area of Texas.

The refuge was established in 1972 under the umbrella of the Fish and Wildlife Service with the goal of protecting both the Attwater's Prairie-Chicken and its breeding habitat, There is no entrance fee, and restrooms can be found in the visitor center.

Since the trip begins so early, most folks drive up the day before.  In the past they have stayed at the Holiday Inn or Super 8 in Sealy.

It’s about a three hour and fifteen minute drive from Corpus Christi to Sealy. (From Rockport it’s a 2.5 hour drive). Dinner choices the night before that aren’t fast food are a seafood place in Eagle Lake or a diner in Sealy.

Nine people are needed to make the trip. We will be in a 12-passenger van on the refuge for the drive to two leks. Total time out is about 2.5 hours.

Please come prepared: 

*  Bring plenty of water. A water refilling station and drinking fountains are available through the front double doors of the visitor center. 

*  Mosquitos and ticks may be present during warmer seasons, so insect repellent is recommended. Please check yourselves for ticks and remove them properly and safely as soon as able. 

*  Parts of our trails can often be muddy, so wear your hiking shoes or other appropriate closed-toe shoes to protect your feet. 

*  Dress for the weather and use a hat or sunscreen for sun protection. 

Trip leader is Claudia Dorn, who can be reached at (361) 813-5767 to reserve a spot on this super trip.