Padre Island National Seashore is more than just a beautiful stretch of beach—it's the world’s most significant undeveloped barrier island that spans 66 miles of pristine coastline. With over 130,000 acres of dunes, and grasslands, including federally protected wildlife and the Laguna Madre, it offers visitors a unique blend of recreational opportunities and natural wonders. To gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable landscape, Kelly Taylor, Program Manager for the Division of Interpretation and Education shares her insights into the park's significance, the efforts to preserve its delicate ecosystems, and what visitors can expect when they explore this national treasure.

Q. Can you give us a brief overview of Padre Island National Seashore and its significance as a protected area? 

A: Legislation was enacted in 1962 that created Padre Island National Seashore for public recreation, benefit, and inspiration. As part of the National Park System, we also exist to protect one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States, as well as the parts of the Laguna Madre within the park boundaries, and the unique system of wind tidal flats. When you couple this with the rich cultural history that we’re protecting, from Spanish explorers and cattle ranchers to native people and our history with World War II, even though we were initially set aside for public recreation, there is a great story behind Padre Island National Seashore.  

Q. What are some recreational opportunities available to visitors? 

A. There are plenty of activities, but the most popular is beach driving. Visitors also enjoy anything from camping and fishing to beach combing and collecting shells. Others enjoy simply coming down to disconnect since there is no reception down here. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, kayaking, wind surfing, stargazing, and swimming. 

Q. Describe the unique habitats within the national seashore. 

A. The barrier island itself is unique. It runs north south and is the first protector for the mainland from storms. We’ve also got the coastal prairie. There’s not much coastal prairie area left because it’s been developed with homes and businesses, but here on the national seashore, it’s contiguous and protected. It’s also where migratory birds and insects hunker down for food and protection. The wind tidal flats, which are on the Laguna side of the island, are wind driven since there’s not much tidal influence on the Laguna Madre. When it is super windy, the wind pushes the water up on those flats and birds spend their time on that side of the island. Then, there’s the Laguna Madre itself since it is one of 6 hypersaline bodies of water in the world.  

Q. What conservation efforts are in place to protect endangered species and ecosystems within Padre Island National Seashore? 

A. The fact that the national seashore has 66 miles of wild coastline is a conservation effort that allows us to maintain this unobstructed and undeveloped area. Another effort is through our work with turtles. We look for the turtles and take the eggs back to lab to hatch them and release them back into the water. We also do prescribed burns, which is essentially setting the prairie on fire, which helps maintain healthy and robust ecosystem full of native plants, while also mitigating fires since we burn the dead fuels.  

Q. What are some of the key challenges faced in managing and preserving these natural resources?  

A. Funding is one of our biggest challenges because we must justify the need and communicate to others why this is important. For example, we need resources to pay for dumpsters to dispose of trash. The issue of marine debris is major here on Padre Island because of how the currents run together, and people are always willing to help collect the trash, but the issue becomes not having a dumpster to dispose of this trash. We have to provide an explanation to receive funding for it and end up having to do more with less.  Communicating to others why the national seashore is such an important resource can also be challenging. We have to explain why the turtles, black rails, and coyotes are important to the area. We also have to explain that people can’t just drive on the dunes because they’re a first line of defense and to them it’s just for fun. We were created for public recreation, but we have to walk that fine line of protecting and preserving resources for future generations. 

Q. Are there safety measures in place for the well-being of visitors and wildlife?  

A. We always encourage people to check out our website prior to visiting. There is a section called Plan Your Visit and it provides all the information they should know before visiting, both for their enjoyment and their safety. This can range from proper clothing for the weather and bringing plenty of food and water to using the proper vehicle for beach driving. Being aware of this section of our website, they’ll also learn that we don’t have lifeguards or cell service. We do have EMT certified officers on staff, but they may not always be close by, so come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and other protective items. Visitors can also download the free NPS app, available on both iOS and Android. Visitors should also refrain from feeding wildlife because then they become habituated, and we end up having to euthanize them since they will get too close to people and growl and snap at them.  

Q. Do you have any additional information for visitors? 

A. Please do not leave any trash behind on the beach. We have onion skin bags that they can pick up any time outside the visitor center doors at any time. These bags have holes in them, and the sand will pour out while keeping the trash secure. Keep in mind that it is typically 10 degrees cooler at the beach because of the vast body of water and direction of the wind, so plan accordingly with your choice of clothing. Be patient if there is a line at the ticket booth. We’re required by Congress to collect fees, and sometimes it takes a while if people are asking questions.