Nature preserve is growing

Birding is a popular pastime at the nature preserve. New facilities recently opened at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture.

City officials held a ribbon cutting in December on Phase Two of improvements at the preserve.

Recent improvements include construction of a new short road off State Hwy. 361, near Sharkey’s Bar and Grill Beach Club. At the end of the road is the beginning of a new trail and boardwalk. A new observation tower also was built with the trail and boardwalk.

The preserve is 1,271 acres of undeveloped land between the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas Community Park, State Hwy. 361 and Piper Channel.

Trails, boardwalks, shade structures and observation towers are key features of the preserve. The main access point lies at the foot of Port Street.

There’s no entry fee, but city officials ask that visitors observe certain city ordinances to keep the preserve unspoiled. Among those rules: Motorcycles and ATVs are not allowed. Camping and shooting also are illegal. No dogs are allowed.