Marsh Madness is coming to Brazos Bend State Park, where a minimum of three free programs or hikes will be offered every day during spring break, March 13-21.

Staff members and volunteers present at least three such programs every weekend, but for nine straight days, a wide variety of activities are planned as fun, affordable entertainment for families.

The Nature Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and features interactive displays representing the park’s various ecosystems.

Ever seen an alligator hatchling close up?

Live reptile displays include 6-month-old hatchling alligators as well as venomous and non-venomous snakes, and a touch table, plant catalog and push-button recordings familiarize visitors with the park’s critters and flora.

Park Ranger David Heinicke said early spring marks a transitional period for Brazos Bend’s plants and wildlife, and is one of the best times to visit. Migratory birds will need rest stops, reptiles will relish the warm sun and wildflowers will blanket the meadows.

“The prairie is one of the best areas to view and photograph wildflowers,” said park naturalist Sharon Hanzik. “With the abundant winter rainfall, spider lilies are sure to dot the landscape and dominate wetter areas of the prairies.”

Hikers will find the park’s thick forest, particularly Red Buckeye Trail, a treat as they view the winding Brazos River, witness the beginning of the blooming season of the native understory tree and take in one of Texas’ few remaining remnants of coastal tall-grass prairies.

But Hanzik said most people’s favorite Brazos Bend offering is its “march monsters,” otherwise known as American alligators.

“Visitors are sure to see plenty of basking alligators around Elm and 40-Acre lakes,” she said. “Alligators will be ready to fatten up after a very long period of inactivity and loss of appetite due to the colder-than-normal winter.”

Various programs to be covered

In addition to alligators, spring break programs and hikes will cover topics such snakes, bees, owls and birds, and will feature children’s story times as well.

The 5,000-acre park is located at 21901 FM 762, near Needville, and offers numerous fishing lakes and miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. It is also home to the George Observatory and Challenger Learning Center.

Wildlife identification guides and souvenirs may be purchased at the Nature Center or park headquarters.

Entrance fee is $5 per day for ages 13 and older, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge.

For more information about Marsh Madness, park facilities and camping, visit www.brazosbend.org or call 979-553-5123.

MARSH MADNESS SCHEDULE:

Saturday, March 13

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Junior Angler Education Workshop

10 a.m. - Creekfield Nature Hike; meet at the Nature Center

Noon to 2 p.m. - Ask the Ranger; at the Elm Lake and Spillway Lake trail intersection

1:30 p.m. - Children’s Story Time; “Daddy Long Legs Isn’t a Spider”, at the Nature Center

3:30 p.m. - The Wonderful Lives of Snakes; meet at the Nature Center

Sunday, March 14

10 a.m. - Creekfield Nature Hike; meet at the Nature Center

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Ask the Ranger; at the Elm Lake and Spillway Lake trail intersection

1:30 p.m. - Pond Life Program; meet at the Creekfield Lake bridge

3:30 p.m. - Alligators of Brazos Bend Slideshow; meet at the Nature Center

Monday, March 15

10 a.m. - Creekfield Nature Hike; meet at the Nature Center

1:30 p.m. - Children’s Story Time; “Never Kiss an Alligator”, at the Nature Center

3:30 p.m. - The Wonderful Lives of Snakes; meet at the Nature Center

Tuesday, March 16

10 a.m. - Creekfield Nature Hike; meet at the Nature Center

1:30 p.m. - The Wonderful Lives of Snakes; meet at the Nature Center

3:30 p.m. - Wildlife Trivia Game; meet at the Nature Center

Wednesday, March 17

9:30 a.m. - Bird Watching for Beginners; meet at 40-Acre Lake and bring binoculars

1 a.m. - The Evolutionary Alligator; meet at Elm Lake restrooms

1:30 p.m. - Honey Bee Program; meet at the Nature Center

3:30 p.m. - Alligator Video and Talk; meet at the Nature Center

Thursday, March 18

9 a.m. - Alligator Hike; meet at 40-Acre Lake restrooms

1:30 p.m. - An Armadillo Odyssey; meet at the Nature Center

3:30 p.m. - Pond Life Program; meet at the Creekfield Lake bridge

Friday, March 19

8 a.m. - Bird Watching Hike; meet at 40-Acre Lake and bring binoculars

11 a.m. - Bobcats of Brazos Bend; meet at the Nature Center

1:30 p.m. - Owls, from Head to Talon; meet at the Nature Center

3:30p.m. - Alligators of Brazos Bend Slideshow; meet at the Nature Center

Saturday, March 20

10 a.m. - Creekfield Nature Hike; meet at the Nature Center

11:30 a.m. - Children’s Story Time; “Forest Night, Forest Bright”, at the Nature Center

1:30 p.m. - The Wonderful Lives of Snakes; meet at the Nature Center

3:30 p.m. - Alligators in the Wild; meet at the Elm Lake and Spillway Lake trail intersection

Sunday, March 21

10 a.m. - Creekfield Nature Hike; meet at the Nature Center

11:30 a.m. - Children’s Story Time; “Pouncing Bobcats”, at the Nature Center

2 p.m. - The Amazing Armadillo Video and Talk; meet at the Nature Center.