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South Texas Birding: Port Aransas Nature Preserve rebuilds after Harvey

Almost 7 months later, volunteers have done an amazing job helping the preserve recover.

The Port Aransas Nature Preserve is seeing big improvements after Hurricane Harvey reaped havoc to renowned birding sites in Port Aransas.

Colleen Simpson, Manager of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve joined us on 3 News First Edition to talk about the improvements made.

Simpson said boardwalks were blown away, freshwater habitat was flooded with salt water, trees were blown down and plants were smothered.

Almost 7 months later, volunteers have done an amazing job helping the preserve recover.

It is going to be a long process, but the public can visit any of the sites, just understand access is limited.

The best place to visit is the trail that runs from the Community Park to the Nature Preserve Pavilion.

The Port St. entrance is closed due to damage to the bulkhead breach along the ship channel.

The preserve is currently working on securing funding through grants, insurance and FEMA and has already received some wonderful assistance.

TOS gave $9500 for invasive removal and replanting at Paradise Pond.

The Rebuild Texas Fund gave $400k for building a new trail connection and on an exciting note, this year they have had the first pair of Whooping Cranes winter in Port Aransas since the 1950's.

The Port Aransas Nature Preserves and the International Crane Foundation say if you do spot a whooping crane, to keep at least 100 yards away.

That is especially important because the birds are an endangered species.

The Preserves and Crane Foundation want the birds to feel welcome, stay through the winter, and come back next year.

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