Bolivar Flats

Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary is a unique habitat complex that was created by the building of the North Jetty at the mouth of Galveston Bay in the late 1800s. The jetty has stopped the southward flow of the long shore current causing it to drop rich sediments. Sediments have accumulated and developed into mudflats full of invertebrates and salt marshes that are nurseries for fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms. Adjacent to the mudflats and salt marsh are coastal prairie uplands and open beach.

The site is an exceptionally productive complex of mudflats, salt marsh, uplands and beach. This ideal combination of habitats provides resting, feeding and/or breeding sites for hundreds of thousands of birds each year.

Learn how you can help protect our beach-nesting birds »

International Recognition

Bolivar Flats is a Globally Important Bird Area, the highest designation, and an International site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN).

It's For the Birds

People are encouraged to walk along the beach and enjoy watching the birds and other wildlife that is protected here. Observe wildlife from a distance at which they feel comfortable. Walking in vegetated dunes and marshes is discouraged. These areas contain hidden nests and venomous snakes. The vehicular barrier was erected to protect nesting and roosting birds, most of which live on the ground. In addition, vehicles compact the sand, killing the plants and animals that live there and making it more difficult for birds to find food and cover. Regulations also prohibit fires in the sanctuary.