Between the Gulf' beach cheniers (oak ridges) and the coastal prairie lies a basin of wetlands that is one of the most productive and fertile areas in North America. This is where the rivers fresh water and the Gulf' saline waters mix; where the abundance of all wildlife is dependent on the proportion of vegetation to water, with the amount of vegetation being the important ingredient. This area could be called an estuary, a marsh, a wetland; its name is Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

Here waterfowl, water and shore birds, furbearers, alligators, fresh and salt water fishes and other marine species find a protective haven with abundant food and water. Some species are residents while others are seasonal visitors, but all need marshes for their existence.

• Walk the Marsh Trail: This 1.5 mile trail offers excellent opportunities for viewing waterfowl.
• Stop at the visitor center where interpretive panels and four marsh dioramas depict the various habitats found on the refuge and provide visitors with some insight into a coastal marsh environment.
• Visit early in the morning during winter months when geese can be seen on the grit side adjacent to Hwy 27 and north of headquarters.