San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge protects 45,730 acres of Texas Gulf Coast south of Sweeny and Brazoria, including a bay enclosed behind a barrier island in southern Brazoria and eastern Matagorda counties. Established in 1969, it preserves habitat for wintering migratory waterfowl and other bird life. Its marshes, ponds, and wide wetland vistas are a defining feature and are often seen as recalling the Texas coast before settlement. Along with Brazoria and Big Boggy national wildlife refuges, it is part of an important coastal wetland complex that supports more than 300 bird species and holds major conservation value.