Then in 1989 Runnells donated 3,138 acres of coastal wetlands and upland prairies next to Mad Island Marsh to the conservancy. In 1990, in an effort to restore the damaged wetlands and prairies, a second partnership was formed between the conservancy and Ducks Unlimited. The two groups lauched an ambitious habitat enhancement program. In 1990 the group began four habitat management programs, which included a restoration program, a rice field enhancement progarm, a palistrine marsh enhancement program and an uplands enhancement program. New management initiatives are being added constantly.
Education plays a big part in the conservations efforts at Mad Island.
Due to intensive habitat restoration and preservation efforts at the site, it now provides crucial winter habitats for nearly 250 species of birds. The marsh is at the terminus of the Central Flyway, one of four principal North American migratory routes. It is vital to area waterfowl, including 16 species of ducks, four species of geese, Sandhill cranes and various wading birds during the year. The area is also home to many different marine organisms such as red drum, blue crabs, brown shrimp, southern flounder and speckled trout. It provides a critical nursey for a variety of marine life from adjacent Matagorda Bay.