Volunteer
Credit: USFWS
Community Support
Volunteers are the lifeblood of visitor services at Black Bayou Lake NWR. Local and resident volunteers staff the visitor center and operate the nature shop, present educational programs, lead guided walks, do maintenance and much more.
Volunteers receive an orientation to the refuge and additional training as required for their volunteer work. Many refuge volunteers are also members of our award-winning refuge support group, Friends of Black Bayou, Inc.
Volunteer docents are needed 7 days a week -- 8 am-4 pm weekdays, 9 am-5 pm Saturdays, and 1-5 pm Sundays.
Resident Volunteers
The Black Bayou welcomes singles or couples traveling in recreational vehicles to become resident volunteers on the refuge.
These volunteers commit to at least one month working a minimum of 24 hours per week. In exchange, the refuge provides full hookups on special pads built next to the Black Bayou. This is not a campground and RV pads are available only to resident volunteers.
The Black Bayou Wildlife Refuge welcomes campers with a wide range of skills. Resident volunteers have staffed the Visitor Center, done outdoor conservation or maintenance work, performed web design and even developed of natural science curriculum in conjunction with the school district.
Credit: USFWS
How to volunteer
To volunteer in general or inquire about becoming a resident volunteer at Black Bayou Lake NWR, contact Public Use Specialist Gay Brantley at (318) 387-1114. A resident volunteer application is available on line.
