Events
Cajun Christmas
The Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges’ Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center is expecting a visit from Santa Claus Saturday, December 13th from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Admission, photos, refreshments, wildlife crafts and visits with Santa are all FREE. The event is made possible by the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc.
Complimentary photographer will be provided, but parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras. Everyone can enjoy cookies, lemonade and the interactive wildlife displays at the visitor center. Free nature-themed holiday crafts will also be available during Santa’s visit. The trails and grounds of the historic Bayou Gardens will also be open for exploration, with many varieties of camellias in bloom adding to the seasonal mood.
For more information or to volunteer to assist with the Cajun Christmas event email Ranger Becky Larkins at rebecca_larkins@fws.gov.
Service Saturdays September 6 & October 4, 8 - 11 AM
Community volunteers and groups of all ages and skill levels are invited to join a Service Saturday day event hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. These community service work days are a great way to get outdoors and meet new people. They are also an enriching opportunity for youth and young adults to gain community service credit.
Service projects typically consists of activities such general trails and garden maintenance or a wildlife habitat restoration project. Light snacks and water is provided by the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided and new volunteers are always welcome.
Nature Explorers
1st & 3rd Friday of the month
Join refuge staff for this FREE, fun-filled educational program for young children 0 - 6 years old. Learn about native animals, create nature themed crafts, go on a short nature walk and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult through the duration of the program. Program meets at the Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center and is 45 minutes in duration. Programs vary with each nature explorers program and meet rain, mud or shine. No Registration is required.
Homeschool Fridays
4th Friday of every month (no program in July)
Join refuge staff for this FREE, fun-filled educational program. Everyone is welcome but programs are geared for youth ages 12 and under (K - 8th grade). Homeschool Day programs are set up to help families explore native flora, fauna and habitats of Southeast Louisiana. This program is a great opportunity to explore the natural world and engage in hands on activities. All youth must be accompanied by an adult through the duration of the program.
All programs are FREE courtesy of the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc. and are conducted rain, mud or shine. Program length is 90 minutes. Register by emailing Ranger Becky at rebecca_larkins@fws.gov.
Bayou Gardens Open House February 28, 2026 from 9 AM - 1 PM
Bayou Gardens was created beginning in the 1940’s by former Louisiana Governor Richard Leche on grounds surrounding his home on Bayou Lacombe. By 1950 the gardens were being operated as a commercial tourist attraction and as a nursery for camellias, azaleas, and other plants. The gardens were later maintained by the Redemptorist order, which established the Holy Redeemer seminary school on the site in 1960. Bayou Gardens Open House Celebrates this rich culture and historic flora and fauna of the Bayou Lacombe Center
Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo
30th Anniversary of the Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo - June 2026, exact date TBD