Deer can often be seen from the main park road as they are foraging in the grasslands.
NPS Photo/ Kara Rogers
In the center of the narrow barrier island lies a vast grassland. These grasslands make up some of the last intact coastal prairie ecosystems left in the United States. Once covering several million acres along the Texas coast, it is estimated that less than 1% of the coastal prairies remain in the state today.
Mixed within the grasslands are marshlands and freshwater ponds, adding to the habitat diversity and abundance of wildlife found in the area. Deer, coyotes, ground squirrels, songbirds, and cranes can all be found here.
This region of the park offers opportunities to hike, watch wildlife, and learn about the island's ranching history.
